Sharjah 24 – Reuters: In Maracaibo, the once wealthy Venezuelan oil city, two innovators are trying to push a new trend: small electric and solar-powered cars that offer an alternative for people fed up with regular fuel shortages and long lines at gas stations.

The small vehicles can carry four people and travel up to 25 miles per hour

“This is the future. Solar energy or renewable energies are the future, we have to stop relying on fossil fuels. But it not overnight. Oil will not disappear immediately but this is where we have to move towards,” Jose Cintron, Electrical technician said.

The small vehicles can carry four people and travel up to 25 miles per hour

Augusto Pradelli, Electric car designer, said “The world has to think about how to overcome the pollution, the global warming and this is a future solution, maybe in ten years. These engines are electric, they don’t make noise, they don’t vibrate, they don’t pollute, they are the future for real.”

Venezuela's state-owned oil industry has seen its production drop after years of poor maintenance and a lack of investment.

Long queues at gas stations are a regular occurrence.