NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Disneyland must swap out the gas-powered engines in the ride cars for the iconic Autopia ride by early next year or the park will be forced to shutter the attraction, according to local reports.
The park must comply with California’s strict emissions regulations by February 2027, according to the Orange County Register.
Autopia was one of the original attractions of the Anaheim theme park when it opened in July 1955, and the only one left in Tomorrowland.
Honda, which sponsors the ride, forgot to certify the ride’s engines in an apparent administrative error in 2023, the MouseChat website reported.
SUV CATCHES FIRE AT DISNEYLAND, BLACK SMOKE SENT DRIFTING OVER PARKING STRUCTURE
Autopia ride vehicles operate inside Tomorrowland at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. (Jeff Gritchen/Orange County Register)
Disney then contacted the California Air Resources Board, which issued a violation in 2024, forcing the park to pay a $56,250 fine and change the ride.
Disney told the Register the error had no impact on the environment.
The company told The Los Angeles Times that the vehicles will switch to electric by next year.
“As the industry moves toward alternative fuel sources, we have developed a roadmap to electrify this attraction and are evaluating technology that will enable us to convert from gas engines in the next few years,” Disney said in 2024.
DISNEYLAND CRACKS DOWN ON GUEST ACTIONS RESTRICTIONS, SPARKING HOT DEBATE
Autopia cars drive inside Tomorrowland at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. (Jeff Gritchen/Orange County Register)
Disney imagineers are working on the design and engineering of the electric ride vehicles, officials said, according to the Register.
While the ride vehicles are connected to a track, riders can control the speed, which tops out at about 6 mph.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The park hasn’t specified when the ride will close for refurbishment and reopen.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Disneyland for comment.
