Solar-powered tricycles help Cubans navigate fuel shortages and blackouts
Summary
In Cuba, many people now use small electric tricycles powered by solar panels because of a severe fuel shortage caused by a U.S. trade blockade. These tricycles have replaced old gasoline cars and buses, helping people with transport despite ongoing power outages and economic problems.Key Facts
- Cuba faces a serious fuel shortage due to a U.S. blockade and threats of tariffs on oil suppliers since January 2026.
- Traditional vintage cars have mostly disappeared from Cuban streets, replaced by electric tricycles, many made in China.
- Many tricycles are equipped with solar panels to recharge without relying on Cuba’s limited power grid.
- The tricycles cost between $2,000 and $4,000, which is expensive for most Cubans.
- People sell old gasoline cars or receive tricycles from relatives abroad to afford these vehicles.
- Electric tricycles are used for transporting goods, serving bus routes, and even collecting garbage.
- Power outages and fuel shortages have worsened food and medicine shortages, affecting daily life.
- Transportation costs about 500 Cuban pesos (less than $1), a considerable amount due to low average wages.
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