In a move orchestrated by the Automotive Transport Services Business Group, the Cuban government has rolled out 200 electric cars aimed at transporting hemodialysis patients and other healthcare needs. This initiative is supported logistically by the Mariel Special Development Zone and Publicentro.
These brand-new, fully electric vehicles boast a range of 430 kilometers on a full charge and will be managed by Taxis Cuba.
The distribution of the fleet spans across all provinces, including the special municipality of Isla de la Juventud, focusing primarily on areas with the highest concentration of hemodialysis patients.
Beyond dialysis transport, these cars will also handle medical discharges, oncology appointments, and additional health-related activities.
This fleet of 200 vehicles marks the first phase of a 400 electric car initiative announced by leader Miguel Díaz-Canel on March 13. During a national press conference, he emphasized that the investment aims to reduce the hemodialysis service's reliance on fossil fuels.
The decision addresses a healthcare crisis identified earlier this year. Over 3,000 chronic kidney disease patients rely on regular dialysis sessions at 57 facilities nationwide.
Since February, transport for these patients had been halted in provinces like Las Tunas, Granma, Pinar del Río, Ciego de Ávila, and Villa Clara due to fuel shortages, forcing patients to pay up to 500 pesos per trip or remain in hospitals without proper conditions.
Alexander Aguilar López, a hemodialysis patient from Granma, criticized in March that while the state ceased to ensure transport, "the leaders' cars kept running."
In conjunction with the electric cars, 20 new Chinese-made Yutong buses have been prepared for the National Bus Service. Each bus can carry over 40 passengers and will serve interprovincial routes from Havana.
Both investments are backed by the Transportation Development Fund, which is financed through vehicle importation and sales policies.
The energy situation further complicates matters; on May 13, Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy acknowledged that Cuba was out of fuel and diesel. The following day, the electrical generation deficit hit an annual high of over 2,100 MW, leaving more than 70% of the population without power.
Charging stations for these new electric cars have yet to arrive in the country, with officials stating they will be installed later to disconnect the fleet from the national power grid.
FAQs on Cuba's Electric Vehicle Initiative for Healthcare
Why are electric cars being used for hemodialysis transport in Cuba?
The Cuban government aims to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and address transportation issues for hemodialysis patients by introducing electric cars.
What challenges are associated with the new electric vehicle fleet?
One significant challenge is the lack of charging stations, which are yet to arrive in Cuba, potentially impacting the fleet's operational efficiency.
How does this initiative fit into Cuba's current energy crisis?
The initiative seeks to mitigate the effects of fuel shortages, as Cuba faces severe energy challenges, with substantial power outages affecting the majority of the population.
What additional transportation measures are being taken?
In addition to electric cars, 20 new Yutong buses have been introduced to improve interprovincial travel, providing further support to Cuba's transportation infrastructure.