Chinese-made electric tricycles with solar charging are helping Cubans overcome fuel shortages and frequent blackouts.

Solar-Powered Tricycles Transform Transportation Amid Cuba’s Fuel Crisis.

Solar-powered electric tricycles have become a vital mode of transport in Cuba as the country struggles with severe fuel shortages and recurring power outages. Replacing the island’s iconic vintage cars, these mostly Chinese-made three-wheelers are increasingly fitted with rooftop solar panels, enabling owners to recharge without relying on Cuba’s strained electricity grid. Priced between $2,000 and $4,000, the vehicles are used for passenger transport, goods delivery, and even garbage collection. Many Cubans have sold their gasoline-powered cars or received financial support from relatives abroad to purchase them. The shift comes amid worsening economic conditions, reduced oil imports, and widespread blackouts that have disrupted daily life. Engineers and small business owners say the additional investment in solar panels quickly pays for itself by reducing dependence on fuel and electricity. As demand continues to grow, solar-powered tricycles are emerging as a sustainable and practical mobility solution across Cuba.