Text: Cuba News 360 Editorial Team
Photo: Secret Nature
Although in the pilot phase, the first prototypes of eco-mobiles, electric minibuses manufactured entirely in Cuba, are already circulating on Cuban streets. They have been well received by passengers, particularly in Sancti Spíritus, and have been both curious and astonished.
Designed and built entirely in the country, according to state media, this means of transport is a significant advance for the national industry, as it not only promotes local employment, but also facilitates after-sales service and exponentially reduces the costs associated with transporting parts from abroad.
With a capacity for 11 passengers, the five prototypes of eco-mobiles currently operating in central Cuba make between 10 and 17 trips a day, depending on the route and the state of the batteries.
Dozens of people travel in them every day, and due to their positive results, 50 new ones are being built, financed by the Transport Sustainability Fund of the Ministry of Transport.
In this regard, 35 frames have been completed and work is being done on the fiberglass structures that will be mounted on them, including fronts, roofs, sides, seats and floors, all of which are manufactured in Spain.
It emerged during the second edition of the Transportation and Logistics Fair that the manufacturing process takes place in the plants of the Colonel Francisco Aguiar Military Industrial Company.
The arrival of the first parts necessary to begin the mechanical assembly of these vehicles is expected in July. This process includes the installation of the kinematic chain and electrical components, for which specialized equipment is available. It is projected that deliveries of these new ecomobiles will begin in August.
