Surprise Decision: Biden-Harris Administration Renews Trump-Pence Administration License To Export EVs To Embassies In Cuba. Company Offers To Donate EV Chargers To U.S. Embassy/Ambassador Residence

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In Surprise Decision, Biden-Harris Administration Renews Trump-Pence Administration License To Export Electric Vehicles To Embassies In Cuba- Including U.S. Embassy.  Company Offers To Donate Electric Vehicle Chargers To U.S. Embassy And Ambassador’s Residence 

To Date, The Biden-Harris Administration Has Refused To Issue Republic Of Cuba Commerce-Related Licenses  

Colombia, Maryland-based Premier Automotive Export, Ltd., which also has an office in Miami, Florida, received on 24 January 2022 a renewal of its license from the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the United States Department of Commerce to export gasoline-powered vehicles, electric-powered vehicles, and hybrid vehicles from the United States to the Republic of Cuba.  The authorized purchasers are diplomatic missions located in the Republic of Cuba, including the Embassy of the United States in the city of Havana, Republic of Cuba.  

On 3 December 2021, a spokesperson of the United States Department of State was quoted: “The Biden Administration has clearly articulated the United States’ goal to accelerate and deploy electric vehicles and charging stations, create good-paying, union jobs, and enable a clean transportation future to combat climate change. However, the United States Embassy in Cuba does not operate any electric vehicles nor has any solar power charging stations at our Embassy compound or residences in Havana. At this time, it would be unlikely that the United States Embassy consider importing one or more electric vehicles for use in Cuba in the near future due to impediments in the electrical infrastructure and lack of trained mechanics on the island to service electric vehicles.”   

This is the fourth license from the BIS issued to Premier Automotive Export, Ltd.  The first license was issued during the Obama-Biden Administration (2009-2017).  The second license and third licenses were issued during the Trump-Pence Administration (2017-2021).  The fourth license was issued during the Biden-Harris Administration (2021- ).  

BIS License (D1267261) 24 January 2022- 31 January 2026.  For the export of automobiles to diplomatic missions: gasoline-powered; pickup trucks with ICE, electric or hybrid engines. Options to include 4x4, 2 or 4 door cab. 

BIS License (D1166163) 3 July 2019- 31 July 2023.  For the export of automobile parts to diplomatic missions. 

BIS License (D1102235) 13 October 2017- 31 October 2021.  For the export to automobiles to diplomatic missions: gasoline-powered, electric-powered, hybrid vehicles including sedans, pick-up trucks, sport utility vehicles, hatchbacks, coupes, trucks, minivans, golf carts, motorcycles, scooters. 

BIS license (D1076571) 9 January 2017- 31 January 2021.  For the export to the Embassy of Guyana: 2015 Nissan Leaf, 100% electric 4 door sedan with a range of 87 miles on a single charge. The engine is 24 Kw and delivers 97 horsepower.  Clipper Creek LCS-40.  Clipper Creek Level II Charger is 40 Amp charger fitted with the J-1772 universal charging connector. 

On 10 November 2021 and 15 December 2021, the BIS denied a license to Premier Automotive Export, Ltd., which has since been appealed, for the export of electric vehicles from the United States to the Republic of Cuba where the sole authorized purchasers would be Republic of Cuba nationals who are self-employed, and to officially-registered micro, small, and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs).  The primary argument made by the BIS in denying the license application was “Interagency reviewers have determined that your proposed transaction would be detrimental to U.S. foreign policy interests due to an unacceptable risk of diversion to unauthorized end uses and/or end users that primarily generate revenue for the state (including uses in the tourism industry).” 

Premier Automotive Export Ltd., has submitted a license application to the BIS for authorization to donate to the United States Department of State four (4) electric vehicle (EV) chargers for use at the Embassy of the United States in Havana, Republic of Cuba, and for use at the Residence of the United States Ambassador in Havana, Republic of Cuba.  A letter relating to the donation was sent to the United States Department of State.  The company would also coordinate the installation of the electric vehicle chargers.  The selected electric vehicle chargers will service all vehicles currently available and those planned for production:  

2- Clipper Creek LCS-40 Level II 40 Amp Charger fitted with the J-1772 universal charging connector.  https://store.clippercreek.com/residential/hcs-40-hcs-40p-ev-charging-station 

One Clipper Creek EV charger would be located at the United States Embassy and one Clipper Creek EV Charger would be located at the Residence of the United States Ambassador. 

2- Tesla Wall Connector Gen 3 (208/240V).  https://www.tesla.com/support/home-charging  

One Tesla EV charger would be located at the United States Embassy and one Tesla EV Charger would be located at the Residence of the United States Ambassador. 

The reason for the donation of electric vehicle chargers from different manufacturers is twofold.  First, unknown which manufacturer and model of electric vehicle(s) will the United States Department of State purchase for use in the Republic of Cuba.  Second, the Biden-Harris Administration continues to promote favorably manufacturers and models of electric vehicles from companies with union representation for their employees.  Austin, Texas-based Tesla, Inc., is non-union.  Detroit, Michigan-based General Motors Company; Dearborn, Michigan-based Ford Motor Company; and Amsterdam, The Netherlands-based Stallantis N.V. (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, etc.) are union. 

From The White House (25 January 2022): Statement by President Biden on General Motors Investment in Michigan.  “Today’s announcement by GM – to make its largest investment ever, $7 billion to create 4,000 new jobs at EV manufacturing sites in Michigan – is the latest sign that my economic strategy is helping power an historic American manufacturing comeback. From day one, my Administration has been laser focused on making sure that America leads the manufacturing future of electric vehicles. This announcement is just the latest in over $100 billion of investment this past year in American auto manufacturing to build electric vehicles and batteries. Over the last year, I hosted the United Auto Workers and automakers at the White House, signed an executive order aimed at getting to 50% electric vehicle sales share in 2030, and set ambitious new standards. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was a major step toward this future by investing in EV charging, and Congress can catalyze more with additional incentives for Made in America electric vehicles, batteries, and semi-conductors built by union hands.” 

On 25 January 2022, a spokesperson from the United States Department of State was quoted:  “Does the United States Department of State at its primary underground garage at C Street NW have electric vehicle charging stations?  Yes.  2) Are there charging stations for United States government-owned vehicles?  If so, how many?  Yes- 4 stations.  3) Are there charging stations for vehicles owned by employees of the United States Department of State?  If so, how many?  Yes- 4 stations.  4)  Are there charging stations for vehicles owned by visitors to the United States Department of State?  If so, how many?  Yes- for official visitors only.”  

Given the 20 January 2022 statements during a Background Press Call by Senior Administration Officials at The White House about the 6-10 June 2022 Summit of the Americas, now is ideal for the Biden-Harris Administration to highlight use of electric vehicles in the Republic of Cuba.  At minimum, have installed the hardware prior to June 2022 in preparation for the arrival of the first electric vehicle for use by the Embassy of the United States in the Republic of Cuba.  

“So with that said, look, the summit, I'll say, will focus on -- our theme for the summit is: “Building a Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable Future.” … Also making sure that for a region that is so dependent on fossil fuels, to ensure that we are mobilizing capital to help facilitate what is a global energy transition away from fossil fuels and toward the energies of the future.  Making sure that the hemisphere does not get left behind is something that we're very focused on.  Of course, issues of climate finance in areas like the Caribbean, Small Island Development States that are impacted by climate change.”  

The BIS confirms the value of renewable energy products for use in the Republic of Cuba: “There is a general policy of denial for exports and reexports to Cuba of items subject to the EAR, as described in Section 746.2(b) of the EAR. However, there are exceptions to the general policy of denial, some of which are listed below: … Items necessary for the environmental protection of U.S. and international air quality, waters and coastlines, including items related to renewable energy or energy efficiency, are generally approved. 

Currently operating in the Republic of Cuba are Amsterdam, Netherlands-based Stellantis N.V.-owned Sochaux, France-based Peugeot DTSR-171 electric vans (through Republic of Cuba-based distributor) and Yokohama, Japan-based Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Nissan NV200e electric vans.   Republic of Cuba government-operated companies Aguas de la Habana (with ten vehicles) and ETECSA use electric vans.  Clearly, these companies would not be using electric vehicles in the Republic of Cuba if mechanics were lacking. 

LINK TO COMPLETE ANALYSIS IN PDF FORMAT

Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Cuba (MINTRANS): Before 2030, MINTRANS plans for 45% of the total number of vehicles owned by Republic of Cuba government-operated companies will be electric vehicles.  A goal is to introduce more than 56,000 electric vehicles of which about 36,000 will be imported while 17,000 will be retrofitted from existing combustion engine vehicles.  A goal is to install 38,000 charging stations throughout the country with 16,000 fast charging stations and the remainder slow or semi-fast charging stations.  An additional 2,000 slow and fast charging stations will in public places while 180 50KV fast charging stations will be located to supply public services.  The first Cuban company to utilize electric vehicles in the Republic of Cuba was Republic of Cuba government-operated Aguas de la Habana.  The company operates a twenty-two Nissan e-NV200 vehicles.  LINK To YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNhxN0aevXc