Old timey car to replace NYC horse carriages shown
By DEEPTI HAJELA, Associated Press
Apr 17, 2014 2:53 PM CDT

NEW YORK (AP) — An electric car that proponents hope will replace horse-drawn carriages in New York City has been revealed.

The "Horseless eCarriage" prototype was unveiled Thursday at the New York International Auto Show. It was commissioned by NYCLASS, a group advocating for a ban on carriage horses. The group says it's inhumane to have the animals toiling in an urban environment.

The prototype car seats eight people and is made to look like it's from the early 20th century, with lots of brass and oversized wheels. Its creator says the selling price could be between $150,000 and $175,000.

Mayor Bill de Blasio wants to ban the horses. But carriage-horse operators and their allies — including actor Liam Neeson — have loudly opposed the mayor's plan.

The council has not yet introduced the legislation.