As the Cuban government struggles to maintain a reliable fuel supply, residents in Havana are increasingly turning to Chinese electric motorbikes as a solution. However, this trend may only exacerbate the country’s energy woes, as the power grid is already prone to frequent blackouts and nationwide collapses.
The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) in Cuba is largely due to the country’s close ties with China. A joint venture between the Chinese company Tianjin Dongxing and the Cuban government’s Caribbean Electric Vehicles (Vedca) has produced over 23,000 electric vehicles between 2020 and 2022. However, this growth in EVs may put additional strain on the fragile power grid, leading to more electrical failures and protests.
Cuba’s energy infrastructure is in disarray, with daily blackouts and fuel shortages becoming the norm. The government’s inability to maintain functional infrastructure for refining, storing, and distributing gasoline and diesel has led to a reliance on imported fuel. The country’s four oil refineries are outdated, with the newest one built in the 1980s with Soviet assistance.
China has invested heavily in Cuba’s energy sector, with the two countries signing an “energy alliance” in 2021. However, this partnership has yet to yield significant improvements in Cuba’s energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, Russia has announced plans to build a new refinery in Cuba, which could potentially provide a much-needed boost to the country’s energy sector.
The Cuban government’s decision to promote electric vehicles as a solution to its energy crisis has been met with skepticism. In other countries with more reliable power grids, governments have had to implement measures to prevent over-reliance on electric vehicles during peak energy demand periods. Cuba’s fragile power grid may not be able to handle the increased demand from EVs, leading to more frequent blackouts and disruptions.
The adoption of electric vehicles in Cuba is also driven by the country’s dire economic situation. With fuel prices skyrocketing and wages stagnant, many Cubans can no longer afford to refuel their cars. The electric motorbikes, which are relatively affordable, have become a popular alternative. However, the long-term sustainability of this solution remains uncertain, as the country’s energy crisis shows no signs of abating.
