Disneyland is pulling the plug on one of its most iconic gas-guzzlers.
TheAnaheim theme park plansto replace the gasoline-powered cars on its classic Autopia attraction with fully electric vehicles — ending nearly 70 years of exhaust fumes in Tomorrowland as California regulators continue cracking down on emissions statewide.
Disneyland officials confirmed the park has an agreement with the California Air Resources Board to retire the current gas-powered Autopia engines in early 2027.
The move comes as the powerful California agency — alreadycontroversial for aggressive climate mandatestargeting gas cars, trucks and appliances — pushesbroader efforts to slash emissionsacross the state.
Disneyland said it is currently working on the “design, engineering and testing” of a fully electric Autopia ride vehicle prototype. More details about the overhaul are expected soon, though closing and reopening dates for the attraction have not yet been announced.
Disney first revealed plans in 2024 to convert Autopia to electric power by fall 2026.
The beloved opening-day attraction has been running since Disneyland debuted in 1955 and has undergone several makeovers over the decades. The last major refurbishment came in 2016 when Honda signed on as the ride’s sponsor. Previous sponsors included Chevron and Richfield Oil, according to Disneyhistory site D23.
Disneyland’s 10-year sponsorship deal with Honda is set to expire in 2026, according toWDW News Today.
Other Disney parks around the world have already moved away from traditional gas-powered versions of the ride. Hong Kong Disneyland’s now-closed Autopia featured electric cars with onboard audio and lighting effects, while Tokyo Disneyland shut down its Grand Circuit Raceway attraction in 2017.
Disneyland officials said electrifying Autopia is part of the resort’s broader environmental push and its goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2030 through greater reliance on renewable energy sources.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
