Wednesday, July 17, 2024 Brussels has taken a significant step forward by replacing horse-drawn carriages with electric vehicles. This change comes after Thibault Danthine, a businessman who previously ran a horse-drawn carriage service, found it increasingly challenging to continue his operations due to changing attitudes towards animal welfare. He had been in the business for over a decade but decided in 2024 that maintaining a commercial venture involving animals was no longer viable.
Collaboration and Development Danthine collaborated with local officials to develop an all-electric carriage, inspired by Robert Anderson’s early electric carriage invention in 1832. The project took over a year to finalize and involved substantial investment, though Danthine did not disclose the exact cost. However, he emphasized that the daily operational costs are lower than with horses, as expenses for veterinarians and blacksmiths are eliminated.
Tourist Experience in Brussels Tourists visiting Brussels can now experience the city’s historic sites in electric carriages. Starting at Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its 17th-century buildings and bell tower, visitors can enjoy a tour of landmarks such as the Palais de Justice and Sablon, the former home to Belgian nobility. Broader Implications for Tourism This transition to electric carriages reflects a broader trend in the tourism industry towards more sustainable and animal-friendly practices.
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