Amphibious Cars Parade Glides Through Amsterdam Canals for the Last Time
Introduction:
Amsterdam recently bid farewell to its annual parade of amphibious cars gliding through the city’s canals. This iconic event, organized by Dutchman Roy Bolks, brought together over 100 enthusiasts this year. However, starting in 2025, access to Amsterdam’s waterways will be restricted to emission-free vehicles, a requirement that amphibious cars cannot meet due to the weight of electric batteries. Despite this setback, participants of this year’s parade celebrated the occasion, knowing it would be the last time the event would be held in the city until technology allows for lighter batteries.
The iconic amphibious cars parade, which first started in 1987 and has been hosted by Amsterdam four times, bid adieu to the city this year as the new regulations require emission-free vehicles to navigate the waterways. The parade, which usually attracts around 80 participants, saw an increase in numbers this year, with 100 enthusiasts joining in to make the most of the final event in Amsterdam.
Despite the benefits of electric vehicles for the environment, the weight of batteries poses a significant challenge for amphibious cars. Organizer Roy Bolks mentioned that only two electric amphibious cars are known to exist, but their functionality is limited due to the size and weight of the batteries. As technology continues to advance, there is hope that these unique vehicles could make a return to Amsterdam if lighter battery options become available.
With the new legislation restricting access to Amsterdam’s waterways to emission-free vehicles, the amphibious cars parade will no longer be held in the city after 2025. However, the event can still take place in other parts of the Netherlands that do not have such stringent regulations. Bolks mentioned that the parade will be held in Friesland in a few years, offering participants a new scenic location to showcase their amphibious vehicles.
Despite the limitations imposed by the new regulations in Amsterdam, the amphibious cars parade will continue to thrive in other locations. Next year, the event is set to take place in Belgium near Ghent, providing participants with an opportunity to showcase their unique vehicles and celebrate their shared passion for these amphibious cars. While the future of the parade in Amsterdam remains uncertain, enthusiasts remain hopeful that advancements in technology will eventually allow them to bring their amphibious cars back to the city’s iconic canals.
Conclusion:
The last edition of the amphibious cars parade in Amsterdam marked the end of an era for this unique event in the city. While the new regulations pose a challenge for participants, the spirit of the parade lives on as enthusiasts come together to celebrate their shared love for these amphibious vehicles. As the parade continues to move to new locations, participants remain optimistic about the future of showcasing their cars and exploring new waterways. With advancements in technology, there is hope that these iconic vehicles will one day return to Amsterdam’s canals, providing a colorful and exciting spectacle for both participants and spectators alike.