Disneyland must replace the gas-powered engines in the Autopia ride cars by early next year or face shutting down the attraction. This change is necessary to meet California’s stringent emissions rules by February 2027, according to The Orange County Register. Autopia, a key feature since the park’s 1955 opening, is the sole remaining original attraction in Tomorrowland.
Autopia’s sponsor, Honda, failed to certify the ride’s engines due to an administrative oversight in 2023, as reported by the MouseChat website. Subsequently, the California Air Resources Board issued a violation notice in 2024, leading to a $56,250 fine and the mandate to alter the ride.
Disney stated that the administrative lapse did not harm the environment. The company informed The Los Angeles Times of their plan to convert the vehicles to electric by next year. “As the industry embraces alternative fuel sources, we have a plan to electrify this attraction and are exploring technology for replacing the gas engines in the coming years,” Disney announced in 2024.
Disney’s imagineers are currently focused on the design and engineering of the new electric ride vehicles. Even though the vehicles are connected to a track, riders can control their speed, which can reach up to about 6 mph.
Details on when the ride will close for refurbishment and reopen are yet to be disclosed. Fox News Digital is awaiting a comment from Disneyland regarding these changes.