By San José, Costa Rica — In a significant step forward for the nation’s e-mobility infrastructure, the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) has consolidated its public fast-charging network, which now comprises 45 stations strategically located across all seven provinces. This expansion is underscored by the network’s full compliance with new technical guidelines established by the Public Services Regulatory Authority (ARESEP), ensuring a safer and more reliable experience for electric vehicle owners nationwide.
The robust infrastructure is designed to serve the diverse and growing fleet of electric vehicles in Costa Rica. The charging points are situated along the country’s main national routes, providing critical connectivity for both urban commuters and long-distance travelers. This strategic placement aims to alleviate “range anxiety,” a common concern for potential EV buyers, and facilitate the transition away from fossil fuel-powered transportation.
To better understand the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding the expansion of electric vehicle charging networks in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise provides critical insight into the opportunities and challenges ahead.
The successful expansion of Costa Rica’s EV charging network hinges on clear and streamlined regulations. We need a legal framework that encourages private investment by ensuring tariff stability, simplifying permitting processes for new installations, and defining clear public-private partnership models. Without this legal certainty, the ambitious goal of a fully electrified transport sector will face significant and unnecessary delays.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s analysis pinpoints the true bottleneck for progress: the challenge is not merely technological, but fundamentally regulatory. Establishing the legal certainty he describes is the essential next step to unlock private investment and transform national ambition into a tangible charging network. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this critical issue.
A key element of this initiative is the adherence to ARESEP’s “Technical Standard for the Quality of Voltage Supply.” This regulation guarantees that the power delivered at each station is stable and uniform, protecting sensitive vehicle electronics and battery systems from potential damage. By standardizing the quality of service, Costa Rica is building a charging ecosystem that inspires consumer confidence and supports the long-term health of the vehicles it serves.
To maximize accessibility, the network is equipped with a versatile array of connectors, including CCS1, CHAdeMO, and GB/T DC. This multi-standard approach ensures compatibility with the vast majority of electric vehicles imported from major global markets in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Whether a driver owns a Nissan Leaf, a Tesla, or a BYD, the ICE network is prepared to meet their charging needs without issue, fostering an inclusive environment for all EV brands.
Officials from ICE have highlighted that the current network capacity is designed to meet the country’s immediate demand while laying the groundwork for future growth. Jeremy Prado, Coordinator of Business Development and Solutions at ICE, emphasized the importance of safety and proper equipment usage for the system’s integrity.
The network meets current demand and he recalled that only manufacturer-approved adapters should be used, as unauthorized ones could damage the vehicle or the station, and even compromise user safety.
Jeremy Prado, Coordinator of Business Development and Solutions at ICE
Prado’s warning addresses a critical safety issue in the EV community. The use of unauthorized or low-quality adapters can introduce significant risks, including electrical shorts, overheating, and communication failures between the charger and the vehicle. Such events not only pose a threat of costly damage to the car’s battery management system but also create potential fire hazards, jeopardizing the safety of the user and the public infrastructure.
Looking ahead, ICE has confirmed its commitment to further expanding the network’s coverage. The state-owned utility’s expansion strategy will prioritize the installation of new stations equipped with CCS1 and GB/T DC connectors. This focus reflects global market trends, where the CCS1 standard is prevalent in American and European vehicles, and the GB/T standard is essential for the rapidly growing number of Chinese-made EVs entering the Costa Rican market.
This strategic reinforcement of the national charging grid is a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s broader decarbonization strategy. By providing reliable, safe, and widely accessible charging infrastructure, the country is actively lowering the barriers to EV adoption. This investment not only supports its international reputation as a leader in environmental sustainability but also paves the way for a cleaner, quieter, and more energy-independent transportation future for all its citizens.
For further information, visit grupoice.com
About Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE):
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad is the state-owned enterprise responsible for providing electricity and telecommunications services throughout Costa Rica. A global leader in renewable energy generation, ICE manages a power matrix that is predominantly based on hydroelectric, geothermal, and wind sources. The organization is a key player in the nation’s sustainable development goals, actively investing in modernization and infrastructure projects such as the national electric vehicle charging network to promote decarbonization.
For further information, visit aresep.go.cr
About Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos (ARESEP):
The Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos is the autonomous public entity tasked with regulating public services in Costa Rica. ARESEP’s mandate includes setting tariffs, establishing technical quality standards, and ensuring consumer protection across critical sectors like energy, water supply, public transportation, and telecommunications. The authority plays a vital role in balancing the interests of service providers and users, promoting efficiency, quality, and equitable access to essential services for the population.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal practice built upon a bedrock of professional excellence and profound integrity. Serving a wide array of clients with a history of principled counsel, the firm is also a vanguard of legal innovation, continually adapting to modern challenges. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a deep-seated mission to empower the community, championing the dissemination of legal understanding to help cultivate a more capable and knowledgeable society.
