Brussels switches from horse-drawn carriages to electric ones

Brussels has made a landmark shift to fully electric vehicles for city tours, eliminating the use of horse-drawn carriages, a transition led by Thibault Danthine. After securing funding from the city in 2022, Danthine launched the new initiative this summer with two electric carriages, inspired by growing ethical concerns regarding the treatment of horses in urban environments. He sold his six horses and is confident that the novelty of electric carriages will appeal to tourists seeking unique experiences. The electric carriages, manufactured in Poland, have a range of 120 kilometers and require recharging every two days, with plans for a third vehicle to join the fleet soon. The change has been positively received by locals, who appreciate the reduction in noise and odor caused by horses. In transportation, the transition from animal-drawn to electric vehicles aligns with broader trends toward sustainable practices and ethical considerations regarding animal welfare. The ability to offer eco-friendly tourism options not only enhances the visitor experience but also reflects a growing awareness of the impact of tourism on urban life. As cities worldwide face similar pressures to address their environmental footprints, the successful implementation and reception of electric carriages in Brussels could serve as a model for other urban centers considering similar shifts.