HAVANA, Feb 13 - The familiar growl of 1959 Chevrolets that for decades marked Havana's streets is receding as electric vehicles become more prominent across the island amid what authorities and residents describe as the worst fuel shortage in years. For roughly six decades, Cuba's roadscape remained largely unchanged, dominated by colorful, vintage gasoline cars. In recent years, however, a growing number of Cubans have turned to electric vehicles as access to fuel tightened.
The shift to electric mobility has accelerated as the United States cut off oil exports from Venezuela - a principal supplier to Cuba - and signaled it would penalize other countries that export fuel to the communist-run island. The Trump administration has labeled Cuba "an unusual and extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security, a designation that has coincided with the tighter restrictions on oil reaching the island.
In Alamar, a neighborhood on Havana's outskirts, the change is evident on the roads. Eugenio Gainza operates a state-run, rickshaw-style electric tricycle, navigating rutted streets and ferrying passengers across short distances. "We make 16 trips a day," he said. "There is no fuel. This is the only means of transportation supporting this area."
Residents say these state-run electric vehicles provide essential mobility in a context of rationing and scarce gasoline. For some, like Maria Caridad Gonzalez, the state vehicles are a lifeline that enables routine travel when conventional fuel-powered transport is unavailable. Private electric services do exist, but those options carry higher costs, according to residents.
Faced with the tightening supply, the government recently outlined a broad plan to ration fuel while protecting essential services. Local voices emphasize that expanding renewable and electric transport is what is keeping movement possible for many communities. As one resident, Barbaro Castaneda, put it: "Together, it is what is helping the country move forward," he said. "Otherwise, we would be completely paralyzed."
The adoption of electric vehicles - both state-run and private - is being used as an immediate response to constrained fuel supplies and a component of the government's management of transportation needs while rationing is in place.