Cuba Embraces Electric Sightseeing Vehicles and Cargo Trucks: Sustainable Mobility Blossoms in Hospitality Sector

In Cuba, a nation renowned for its vibrant culture and iconic vintage cars, a quiet revolution is underway as electric sightseeing vehicles (ESVs) and electric cargo trucks gain traction in the hospitality industry. These eco-friendly vehicles are transforming how hotels and resorts operate, blending the island’s charm with modern sustainability goals—and winning hearts for their efficiency, affordability, and alignment with Cuba’s green initiatives.

ESVs: Cruising Through Cuba’s Tropical Beauty
Cuba’s lush resorts and historic cities are increasingly dotted with ESVs, which offer guests a serene way to explore the island’s natural and cultural treasures. In Varadero’s beachfront resorts, open-air ESVs with colorful Cuban-inspired designs shuttle visitors between palm-fringed hotels and coral reef excursions, emitting zero fumes and preserving the pristine coastal air. In Old Havana, boutique hotels use compact ESVs to offer guided tours of cobblestone streets, allowing guests to admire colonial architecture without the noise of traditional vehicles. A notable example is the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, which introduced ESVs featuring retro-inspired decals, blending the island’s classic car heritage with electric innovation. Guests praise the “smooth, silent rides that let us truly soak in Havana’s ambiance.”

Electric Cargo Trucks: Powering Hotel Logistics Sustainably
Behind the scenes, electric cargo trucks are revolutionizing supply chains for Cuba’s hotels, particularly in remote areas where fuel is scarce. These vehicles, with load capacities up to 3 tons, efficiently transport fresh produce from local farms to resort kitchens, reducing reliance on diesel-guzzling trucks. In Cayo Coco, an eco-resort complex now uses solar-charged cargo trucks to deliver supplies while minimizing environmental impact on the fragile ecosystem. Hotel managers highlight cost savings: “Charging these trucks costs a fraction of gasoline, and maintenance is simpler—critical in a country prioritizing energy independence,” says one director in Santiago de Cuba.

Why Cuba’s Hotels Are Switching to Electric
The adoption stems from a mix of necessity and opportunity. With global energy prices rising and Cuba’s push for renewable energy, electric vehicles offer a practical solution. Many hotels, especially those in UNESCO-protected zones, face strict environmental regulations, making ESVs and cargo trucks ideal for compliance. Tourists, too, appreciate the eco-conscious approach; a survey by Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism found that 65% of international visitors prefer staying in hotels with green transportation options.

Challenges and Innovations
While infrastructure for charging stations is still expanding, Cuban hotels are getting creative—installing solar panels on rooftops to power their fleets. Local mechanics are also being trained to maintain electric vehicles, fostering homegrown expertise. “It’s a learning process, but the benefits are clear,” notes a technician in Santa Clara. “These vehicles are quieter, cleaner, and cheaper to run—perfect for our island.”

A Greener Horizon for Cuban Hospitality
As Cuba opens up to sustainable tourism, electric sightseeing vehicles and cargo trucks symbolize a new era—one where tradition meets innovation. Whether gliding through tobacco fields in Viñales or delivering farm-fresh seafood to Trinidad’s colonial hotels, these vehicles are proving that eco-friendly mobility can thrive in paradise. For Cuba, the shift is more than a trend; it’s a commitment to preserving its natural beauty for future generations—one electric ride at a time.