A young woman from Cuba, known on social media as @maxxialvv, made headlines this Thursday with a viral TikTok video showcasing her first car: a Bestune Pony. This 100% electric vehicle, produced in China, boasts a striking pearly purple color.
"Join me as I do an unboxing of the biggest purchase I've ever made, the one that excites and pleases me the most," she exclaims at the start of the three-minute and six-second clip, brimming with excitement as she details every aspect of the car.
Manufactured by the Chinese company FAW Bestune, the car features a brown and beige interior, air conditioning, a Bluetooth-enabled screen, a rearview camera, and two driving modes: economy and sport. The owner mentioned the trunk is small but demonstrated how folding the rear seats can create additional space.
"I'm absolutely thrilled and incredibly grateful to have my own transportation," she expressed, although she noted she’s not ready to hit the roads yet: "I still need my license, but very soon, very soon, I'll be out there."
The Bestune Pony, also recognized as the Bestune Xiaoma, is among the most affordable Chinese electric cars available in Cuba. It's sold through MCV Comercial S.A., available for order since June 1 with an estimated delivery time of 60 business days. Although its price in Cuba is not officially listed, market estimates range between $9,500 and $13,500, significantly higher than the $4,800 to $7,000 price tag in China.
The Economic Challenge of Owning a Car in Cuba
Purchasing a car in Cuba remains a rare achievement. The average monthly salary in the country is about 4,000 Cuban pesos, which equates to less than $20 at the informal exchange rate, making new car purchases unattainable for most Cubans. Only those receiving remittances from abroad or earning foreign currency have the means to make such purchases.
In recent times, the acquisition of Chinese electric cars in Cuba has gained momentum, spurred by the regime's incentives, such as preferential tariffs: 10% for electric vehicles compared to 30% for internal combustion cars. In February, the government temporarily halted new shipments of combustion vehicles due to a fuel crisis, reinforcing the shift towards electromobility.
Other Cubans have shared similar experiences on social media. Earlier this year, a Cuban showcased his $20,000 car, and another woman celebrated her first car purchase in a video that also attracted significant attention.
As she concluded her video, which had garnered over 2,400 views and 131 likes, @maxxialvv humorously added, "When you see a purple car, watch out, that's me."
Understanding the Growing Trend of Electric Cars in Cuba
What is the Bestune Pony?
The Bestune Pony is a fully electric vehicle produced by the Chinese company FAW Bestune. It is available in Cuba and is one of the more affordable options among electric cars on the island.
Why are electric cars becoming more popular in Cuba?
Electric cars are gaining popularity in Cuba due to government incentives like lower tariffs for electric vehicles and a shift toward electromobility in response to fuel shortages.