CBS 2 Exclusive: 'E-Carriages' May Be On Deck To Replace Horse-Drawn Rides In Central Park
NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- Hooves are out and electric may be in.
On Wednesday, CBS 2's Dave Carlin got an exclusive look at the so-called 'E-Carriages' that could replace horse-drawn carriages in New York City.
The prototype was rolled out at the International Auto Show, but could soon be rolling through Central Park. The vehicles could make Manhattan history.
"This is New York City and the wow factor's got to be there," designer Jason Wenig of the Creative Workshop said.
The carriages look like antique cars but are built like trucks, are fully electric, and could be approved to replace the city's horse-drawn carriages.
"What you're looking at is the type of vehicle that ignited the world's love affair with cars," Wenig said.
Wenig was given almost a half-a-million dollars to research, design and build the prototype for animal rights advocates with NYCLASS who have been pushing to get the horses banned.
However, carriage horse owners say that anything other than a real horse just won't work.
"I don't think people want to get out of a car to take a ride in another car," Anita Gerami, Chateau Stables, said, "People come for the horses, to see them. Without them I don't think they would get to tour Central Park the same way it is now."
Wenig is ready for his creation to start rolling in Central Park, but said that he needs a green light from the city.
"Next steps are determined by people other than me, but when I'm called upon and ready to build more of these things I'm ready to go," Wenig said.
If animal rights advocates get their way the horse-drawn carriages would be replaced by as many as 68 of the e-carriages.
Mayor Bill De Blasio recently said that he wants the ban in place this year.
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