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Amid the decline of public transport, the energy and economic crisis, Cuba is experimenting with solar stations to recharge electric microbuses, a trial aimed at reducing dependence on the national system.
The official newspaper Escambray reported that Sancti Spíritus has become the first province in the country to install an electric charging station, a charging station powered by solar panels intended for the so-called ecomobiles, electric minibuses developed with the support of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment (CITMA).
According to statements from Leonel Díaz Camero, the delegate of CITMA in the province, this is an experimental project included in the "Energy Transition of Urban Transport" program, which aims to make progress towards the partial replacement of diesel consumption in local transport systems.
The first station of this type was inaugurated at the Francisco Aguiar Military Industrial Enterprise, with the capacity to recharge a single minibus, while two other similar facilities are being evaluated.
“These first electric charging stations are experimental and will serve to determine the most viable option. There are no such experiences in the country,” Díaz explained.
The official indicated that the aim is to verify the effectiveness of the system and reduce the energy consumption of the National Electric System, a step that seems quite significant in a context of frequent blackouts and lack of fuel.
However, the delegate himself acknowledged that the project still depends on financing in foreign currency and the supply of imported components such as engines, tires, and traction systems.
The plan also includes the development of mobile applications (APK) so that users can track the location and route of the ecomobiles, as well as economic management systems to optimize the use of the vehicles.
So far, Sancti Spíritus has 38 electric minibuses in operation, distributed among the Military Industrial Enterprise, the state service Taxis Cuba, and the municipality of Trinidad.
The authorities expect to reach 55 units once the delivery of new vehicles is completed.
The project has included university students who collaborate in software design and technical improvements, while new prototypes are being studied, such as electric hearses, one of which is already in operation in Placetas.
Despite its ecological outlook, the essay reflects the structural limitations of the so-called "energy transition" in Cuba, marked by a lack of stable funding and reliance on foreign cooperation.
Local delegations have sought support in South Korea and Brazil to expand electric fueling stations and produce more vehicles, but negotiations are still under evaluation.
Díaz assured that the goal is to achieve sustainable and local production that allows for the assembly and maintenance of eco-vehicles within the region.
However, the progress of the project will depend on the arrival of new batches of resources and the success of the solar tests, which so far only benefit a very limited number of users.
The push for electric mobility is slowly progressing in Cuba, where the government announced the installation of around 40 charging stations in various provinces, aiming to reduce dependence on diesel and promote cleaner energy sources.
This plan is part of the national energy transition program, although its implementation is challenged by resource scarcity, high import costs, and a lack of stable infrastructure.
In parallel, Havana started using electric vehicles for public services, such as the new battery-powered hearses, an experimental initiative aimed at demonstrating the viability of this technology in essential sectors.
Recently, the authorities declared their intention to create cities with electric transportation, integrating sustainable mobility systems, solar stations, and charging networks. However, experts warn that the lack of materials, technological obsolescence, and limited foreign investment hinder the achievement of the established goals.
Some progress is already visible: the first electric hearse vehicles are being assembled in the country with support from local institutions, combining national production and imported components.
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