Disneyland’s Autopia ride is set to move from gasoline power to Electric vehicles after 71 years of operation. The change follows concerns that the attraction’s current engines do not meet California’s stringent emissions regulations.
Autopia opened in 1955 with 40 miniature cars, allowing children to steer around a track and operate a real gas pedal. The attraction became a central feature of Tomorrowland and reflected the era’s enthusiasm for automobiles and the expanding highway system.
The cars currently use 8.5-horsepower Honda four-stroke engines, similar to those used in generators and industrial pressure washers. They can operate for up to 16 hours a day, producing considerable noise and exhaust around the Tomorrowland area.
The gasoline engines are expected to be phased out sometime next year. Once the transition is complete, Autopia will become an electric attraction while remaining part of Disneyland’s original Tomorrowland lineup.
Sources: The New York Times Business.