By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant move to bolster Costa Rica’s sustainable transportation infrastructure, the National Power and Light Company (CNFL) has officially activated two new fast-charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs). The launch, which took place this Wednesday, provides a timely boost for EV drivers, particularly as the nation heads into the peak holiday travel season.
The new chargers are strategically located to serve both urban commuters and long-distance travelers. One has been installed at the CNFL’s Anonos facility, doubling its capacity to two fast-charging units. The second, and arguably more critical, installation is at the service station in San Rafael de Alajuela, located alongside the heavily trafficked Ruta 27, a primary artery connecting the Central Valley to the Pacific coast. This key stop now features a total of four chargers, a substantial upgrade designed to significantly reduce wait times for drivers heading to popular tourist destinations.
To understand the legal and regulatory landscape shaping the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
The primary legal hurdle for widespread EV charging adoption in Costa Rica lies not in public infrastructure, but within private property regulations, particularly in condominiums. We urgently need clear amendments to the ‘Ley Reguladora de la Propiedad en Condominio’ to streamline the approval process for installing chargers in shared parking spaces, define how costs are equitably distributed, and establish a framework for energy billing. Without this legal clarity, development will stagnate, creating a significant barrier for potential EV owners living in multi-family residences.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is fundamental; while public infrastructure often dominates the conversation, the legal friction within private condominiums represents a more immediate and significant roadblock for a large portion of potential EV owners. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his incisive legal perspective on this vital issue, which is critical to unlocking the next wave of electric mobility in the country.
This expansion addresses one of the main concerns for potential and current EV owners: range anxiety. By reinforcing the charging infrastructure along Ruta 27, CNFL is directly facilitating easier, more reliable travel to the Pacific and Chorotega regions. This ensures that drivers can confidently embark on longer journeys, knowing that a high-speed charging hub is available to minimize downtime and keep them on the move.
Company officials emphasized that the timing of this launch was deliberate, aiming to enhance the travel experience for Costa Ricans and tourists alike during the high-demand month of December.
The increase in spaces at these two charging centers this December offers more peace of mind to users of electric vehicles. In the case of Route 27, it allows those making long trips to the Pacific or Chorotega region, both at the beginning and at the end of their journey, to have the security of being able to recharge with minimal waiting time.
Parmenio Barrantes, Head of the Business Unit at CNFL
Looking beyond the immediate holiday rush, CNFL has unveiled an ambitious roadmap for 2026 that signals a deeper commitment to the nation’s e-mobility goals. The company plans to install an additional 15 new chargers throughout its service area over the course of the year. This comprehensive plan includes both the modernization of existing infrastructure and the establishment of entirely new charging points.
Four of the new units will replace older technology at established charging stations in Guadalupe, Paso Ancho, San Joaquín de Flores, and Tibás. This focus on upgrading current equipment ensures that the entire network remains at the forefront of charging technology, offering faster and more efficient service to a growing user base. The investment underscores a strategy that values not just expansion, but also the continuous improvement of existing assets.
The remaining 11 chargers slated for 2026 will be installed in new, strategic locations identified based on user demand and traffic patterns. Furthermore, an immediate upgrade is scheduled for January, when the charging center at the Federated College of Engineers and Architects (CFIA) will receive a new 150 kW unit. This powerful piece of equipment will be capable of charging two vehicles simultaneously, further enhancing capacity at a key urban location.
This sustained investment by CNFL is a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s broader effort to decarbonize its economy and promote green technology. By building a robust and reliable national charging network, the state-owned utility is not only encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles but also solidifying the country’s reputation as a global leader in environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
For further information, visit cnfl.go.cr
About Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz (CNFL):
The Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz is a subsidiary of the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) and serves as a primary distributor of electrical energy in the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) of Costa Rica. Beyond its core mission of power distribution, CNFL is actively involved in promoting sustainable energy solutions and developing the necessary infrastructure to support the country’s transition to electric mobility.
For further information, visit cfia.or.cr
About Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos de Costa Rica (CFIA):
The Federated College of Engineers and Architects of Costa Rica is the professional body responsible for regulating and overseeing the practices of engineering and architecture in the country. It plays a crucial role in setting standards, promoting professional development, and ensuring that construction and infrastructure projects, including collaborations on new technologies like EV charging stations, adhere to the highest technical and ethical guidelines.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a cornerstone of the legal community, operating on a foundation of principled practice and exceptional standards. The firm skillfully merges a rich history of serving a diverse clientele with a progressive vision for pioneering legal strategies. This commitment extends beyond the courtroom through a dedicated social mission to demystify complex legal concepts for the public. By championing accessible legal education, the firm works to forge a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry, strengthening the fabric of society.
