Tomorrowland’s once-futuristic concepts of highways and overpasses that seem hopelessly outdated today will receive a modern boost when Disneyland electrifies Autopia’s fleet of gas-powered, exhaust-spewing cars.
Disneyland will electrify Autopia and convert the attraction from gas engines in the next few years, according to Disneyland officials.
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“Since its opening at Disneyland park in 1955, Autopia has remained a popular guest favorite with young children learning about driving for the first time,” according to Disneyland officials. “As the industry moves toward alternative fuel sources, we have developed a roadmap to electrify this attraction and are evaluating technology that will allow us to transition from gas engines over the next few years.”
Disneyland officials would not say whether the Autopia cars would be converted to fully electric or hybrid vehicles, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The “next years” timeline will likely push Autopia’s conversion out to 2026 or beyond.
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Autopia’s last major renovation took place in 2016 when Honda became the attraction’s sponsor. Previous sponsors included Chevron (2000-2012) and Richfield Oil (1955-1970), according to D23.
The 1955 opening day attraction was redesigned in 1959, 1964 and 1968, according to D23. An extensive renovation linked to Chevron sponsorship closed Autopia from September 1999 to June 2000, according to D23.
Disneyland could plan an electric update to Autopia in 2026 if Honda’s sponsorship ends after a 10-year contract, according to WDW News Today.
Florida’s Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Paris also offer versions of the Autopia attraction. Tokyo Disneyland closed its Grand Circuit Raceway in 2017. The Hong Kong Disneyland Autopia – which closed in 2016 – featured electric cars with light effects and built-in sound, according to WDW News Today.
The electrification of Autopia is part of Disney’s goal to integrate a net-zero emissions future into all aspects of the Disneyland resort and reduce its overall carbon footprint, according to Disneyland officials.
The Disneyland resort has made a sustainability commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2030 by increasingly relying on cleaner, renewable energy sources. Over the past 18 months, sustainability efforts have resulted in 10 million kilowatts of energy savings, according to Disneyland officials.
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