Colorful Amphibious Cars Parade Held in Amsterdam for the Last Time
Amsterdam bid farewell to the annual amphibious cars parade on Thursday, marking the last time the event will be held in the city. The change is prompted by new regulations set to take effect in 2025, restricting access to the city’s waterways to emission-free vessels and vehicles. Unfortunately, amphibious cars, due to the weight of their electric batteries, cannot meet the stringent emission-free criteria. The event organizer, Roy Bolks, expressed disappointment, stating, “Everybody has to think about the environment, and we understand it, but it’s a pity we can’t easily turn these cars electric. So we’re going to enjoy this last time.”
The parade, which began on Monday in Amsterdam, embarked on a multi-day journey, stopping at the cities of Monnickendam and Utrecht before returning to Amsterdam for its grand finale. This year, the event attracted a record 100 participants, surpassing its usual count of around 80. Bolks attributed the increased interest to the implementation of a waiting list due to the popularity of the event.
Electric amphibious vehicles are a rarity, with Bolks being aware of only two. However, he noted that these vehicles are not easy to navigate because the battery size makes them excessively heavy. Despite this, Bolks expressed hope that technology would improve in the future, potentially allowing these unique cars to participate in the parade once again.
The amphibious cars parade, which dates back to 1987, has been held in Amsterdam four times. However, the new legislation only pertains to the city, leaving the possibility for the parade to continue in other parts of the Netherlands. Bolks mentioned that the parade is set to take place in Friesland in the coming years, highlighting the beauty of the region. Additionally, next year’s parade will be held in Belgium, near Ghent, allowing enthusiasts to continue celebrating these extraordinary vehicles.
In conclusion, the colorful amphibious cars parade bid farewell to Amsterdam as it faced new regulations requiring emission-free vehicles. Despite the weight of electric batteries preventing amphibious cars from meeting the criteria, the event attracted a record number of participants, indicating its enduring popularity. The hope remains that advancements in technology will eventually enable these unique vehicles to participate in the parade once again. While Amsterdam may no longer host the event, the parade will continue in other parts of the Netherlands and neighboring countries, offering both participants and spectators the opportunity to appreciate the charm and marvel of amphibious cars.