A year of electric galleys in Alcúdia: a real alternative for Palma?

PalmThe debate about replacing horse-drawn carriages with electric models has gained momentum again now that Palma has decided to end the horse-drawn carriage tradition. While the Balearic capital studies the future of this tourist service, there is a clear precedent in the Islands: Alcúdia, which completed the transition approximately a year ago and became the first municipality in Spain to definitively abandon horse-drawn carriages. A year later, the assessment is clear. "There is no doubt that the change is a success in every respect," says Eduardo Salazar, president of the Alcúdia carriage owners' association. However, the decision was not easy. The sector took the step with uncertainty, especially since the horse was, until then, one of the main attractions for tourists. Over time, this perception has changed. The new electric carriages have provided greater comfort for customers and clear improvements in terms of the environment and cleanliness. But above all, they have resolved one of the main points of contention: the use of animals and the suffering involved in pulling a carriage at certain times of day in summer and having to endure extremely high temperatures. "Before, there was a lot of tension. Now we only receive support and kind words," explains Salazar.

Is it really profitable for the workers?

The change wasn't immediate for everyone. The initial cost—around €30,000 per vehicle, plus another €10,000 for batteries to guarantee range—made the transition difficult for some professionals who couldn't secure financing. This is one of the factors that, according to the sector, Palma will have to consider if it decides to make the switch. In economic terms, however, the balance has been maintained. Income is similar to before, but significant expenses have been eliminated. Maintaining horses involved constant feed costs, around €250 per month per animal, as well as other costs such as veterinary care and the risks associated with diseases, in addition to the need to have several horses to comply with mandatory rest periods. "One thing compensates for the other," Salazar summarizes. There are also operational factors. During heat waves, horse-drawn carriages often couldn't operate, resulting in losses. With the electric model, that limitation disappears. Batteries and maintenance

One of the initial concerns was the durability of the batteries. According to the industry, the minimum lifespan is about ten years, with the possibility of extending it with maintenance. Inspections are carried out by specialized companies that already work with this type of vehicle.

The change has also had consequences for the animals' fate. The horses were mostly relocated to the Iberian Peninsula, especially to areas like Extremadura, where they are in demand for pilgrimages and traditional activities. In many cases, they have passed into private hands, ceasing to be animals used for intensive work.

Beyond the local area, the Alcúdia model has sparked interest outside the Canary Islands. Gallery owners from other parts of Spain and even Italy have contacted the association to learn about their process. In Palma, this interest has also been noticeable: professionals in the sector have requested information after seeing their results.

However, the transition is not only a technological or economic issue. It also reflects a shift in social awareness. What was once a common feature of the tourist landscape is now a subject of debate. And, in this context, Alcúdia has become a real-life example of what could happen in Palma.