In a bid to enhance its funeral services, Matanzas has added two electric hearses to its fleet. This comes as the region grapples with operational constraints due to the ongoing transportation crisis, fuel shortages, and extended power outages affecting the province.
The state-run newspaper, Girón, reported that Governor Marieta Poey Zamora confirmed the arrival of these vehicles on Monday. She emphasized that this initiative aims to meet "sensitive social needs," ensuring respect during the most challenging times.
These electric hearses were provided by the Ministry of Transportation (Mitrans) through the Transport Development Fund and are now part of the province's funeral service vehicles, according to official sources.
Challenges of Electric Vehicles Amidst Power Outages
The introduction of electric vehicles raises concerns about their practicality in an area frequently hit by power cuts. Even Girón acknowledged that this announcement sparked skepticism on social media regarding the feasibility of such vehicles amid the energy crisis.
It’s not the first instance where the arrival of electric vehicles in Matanzas stirred such reactions. Back in March, the introduction of new transportation for social services drew criticism due to the prolonged blackouts. At that time, a combustion hearse and two electric cargo vehicles were introduced for other services.
Expanding Electric Mobility for Social Needs
The use of electric vehicles to address social needs is spreading to other provinces. Recently, Guantánamo received 20 electric cars to transport hemodialysis patients as part of a national plan involving 400 such units for kidney patients. Previously, Matanzas had also received 10 vehicles under the same program.
Electric transportation has also been embraced by Havana's funeral services, where 15 electric hearses began operations in late 2025. In this instance, authorities noted that the charging infrastructure included solar panels, storage systems, and an emergency generator as a backup.
Exploring the Impact of Electric Hearses in Matanzas
Why did Matanzas introduce electric hearses?
Matanzas introduced electric hearses to improve its funeral services amidst a transportation crisis and fuel shortages, responding to what it terms "sensitive social needs."
What challenges do electric hearses face in Matanzas?
Electric hearses in Matanzas face challenges due to frequent power outages, raising concerns about their operational viability in the province.
How has electric mobility been implemented in other Cuban provinces?
Other Cuban provinces, like Guantánamo, have also adopted electric vehicles for social needs, such as transporting hemodialysis patients, as part of a broader national initiative.