Cuban Mechanic Turns Charcoal Into Road Fuel

A mechanic in a small Cuban town has turned an old 1980 Fiat Polski into a vehicle that runs on charcoal instead of gasoline. The innovation sprang from the fact that oil shipments to Cuba halted last year, leaving fuel hard to find and expensive.

The Transformation

• Original vehicle: 1980 Fiat Polski, two‑cylinder engine
• Fuel system overhaul: Replaced the gasoline tank with a propane container that holds charcoal.
• Sealing method: Used a transformer lid to secure the container.
• Filtration: Built a homemade filter from an old milk jug filled with clothes.

Performance

During testing, the car covered 85 km and reached a top speed of roughly 70 km/h. Neighbors watched in surprise as the vehicle rolled down uneven streets, its engine humming with a distinct, non‑gasoline sound.

Community Reaction

• Interest: Locals took photos and asked if the mechanic could build one for them.
• Perception: Seen as a clever solution to keep moving when gasoline is scarce and expensive on the black market.

Future Plans

The mechanic intends to adapt a tractor next, aiming to help farmers transport crops more easily. He attributes his inspiration to his late uncle and open‑source technology from an Argentine inventor.

Symbol of Ingenuity

Other Cubans view the project as a testament to everyday ingenuity. One local owner of an old Pontiac described Cuba as “a salad made of everything,” highlighting how mixed parts from different machines are combined to survive.