By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is set to significantly expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure this year, with a nationwide plan to install at least 67 new fast chargers. This ambitious rollout, spearheaded by a combination of regional distributors and the country’s two largest electricity providers, aims to tackle the primary obstacle to widespread EV adoption: the scarcity of reliable charging options outside the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM).
The coordinated effort will see a total of eight electricity companies reinforcing the national grid. Six regional distribution companies are contributing a combined 16 new Level 3 fast chargers, with a strategic focus on bolstering rural connectivity. Four of these six companies operate exclusively in regions beyond the central valley, promising to alleviate the “range anxiety” that has long plagued drivers on extended journeys.
To understand the legal and regulatory landscape shaping the future of electric mobility in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his analysis on the development of the national EV charging network.
The successful expansion of Costa Rica’s EV charging network hinges on a clear and streamlined regulatory framework. We must prioritize simplifying the permitting processes for both public and private charging station installations, while establishing clear legal incentives to attract investment. Ensuring grid stability and fair energy pricing through transparent regulations is not just a technical challenge but a fundamental legal one to guarantee the project’s long-term viability and user confidence.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal and regulatory architecture is the essential, though often unseen, foundation upon which a successful national charging infrastructure is built. This clear framework is what transforms a collection of individual charging points into a cohesive, reliable system that invites both investment and public trust. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his sharp and invaluable perspective on this critical issue.
Leading the charge in their respective regions are several local cooperatives. Coopeguanacaste plans to add three new units in Huacas, Pueblo Viejo, and Parque Tempisque, bringing its local network to 10 stations. Coopesantos will install the most of any regional provider with four new chargers in Guayabo de Mora, Tarbaca de Aserrí, La Paz de El Guarco, and San Marcos de Tarrazú. Meanwhile, Coopelesca will add two fast chargers in the Northern Zone, and Coopealfaroruiz will install two fast chargers in Zarcero and at the Rancho Ceci restaurant, supplemented by two semi-fast stations in other locations.
Even within the more densely populated GAM, the network is receiving a boost. The Administrative Board of the Electrical Service of Cartago (Jasec) will install three new stations in key locations across Cartago province, including near the central parks of Oreamuno and Paraíso. Similarly, the Heredia Public Services Company (ESPH) will deploy two new fast chargers near the Palacio de los Deportes and in San Pablo, with a potential third station under consideration for San Rafael.
The most significant part of the expansion comes from the country’s two principal electric utilities. The Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) and the National Power and Light Company (CNFL) will collectively install 51 new fast chargers. In line with the national strategy, ICE will deploy the majority of its 34 new units in crucial rural and coastal locations like Guápiles, Orotina, Jacó, Limón, and Garabito. The CNFL will focus its 17 new chargers on strengthening the network within its GAM jurisdiction, with new stations planned for Escazú, Guadalupe, Paso Ancho, and along major transit routes like the Route 27 and Route 32 highways.
This massive infrastructure investment directly addresses the most significant pain point for Costa Rican EV owners. According to a recent global survey by the Global EV Alliance (GEVA), which included 151 Costa Rican drivers, the lack of reliable highway charging remains the single greatest barrier to electromobility in the country. The report highlighted common frustrations, including malfunctioning chargers, long queues, and charging spaces being occupied by non-electric vehicles, all of which force EV drivers into meticulous and often stressful pre-trip planning.
Experts agree that closing this infrastructure gap is critical. Silvia Rojas, executive director of the Costa Rican Electric Mobility Association (Asomove), has noted a significant lag between the growth of the nation’s EV fleet and the development of the charging network to support it.
We continue to need better fast-charging infrastructure on the highways so that people have more confidence and are encouraged to make the switch.
Silvia Rojas, Executive Director of Asomove
For the electricity distributors, the burgeoning EV market represents a pivotal moment of both opportunity and challenge. The growing fleet signifies a new and expanding customer base, but it also demands a more resilient and sophisticated power grid capable of handling the increased load without compromising service quality.
It obliges us to meet a growing demand, but we also need robust networks that can satisfy the consumer’s need for that service.
Erick Rojas, President of the Chamber of Energy Distribution and Telecommunications Companies (Cedet)
Ultimately, this nationwide deployment is more than just a series of installations; it is a clear and strategic move to build the backbone for Costa Rica’s electric future. By strengthening the charging grid, particularly in rural and tourist areas, the country is paving the way for greater driver confidence, accelerating the transition to sustainable transportation, and reinforcing its commitment to its environmental goals.
For further information, visit coopeguanacaste.com
About Coopeguanacaste:
Coopeguanacaste, R.L. is an electricity distribution cooperative serving the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. Beyond providing energy, the cooperative is involved in telecommunications services and promotes sustainable development and the adoption of clean technologies, such as electric mobility, within its region.
For further information, visit coopealfaroruiz.com
About Coopealfaroruiz:
Coopealfaroruiz, R.L. is a regional cooperative responsible for electricity distribution in the Zarcero area and surrounding communities in the province of Alajuela. It is committed to improving the quality of life for its members by providing reliable electrical service and investing in modern infrastructure, including EV charging stations.
For further information, visit coopelesca.com
About Coopelesca:
Coopelesca, R.L. is a prominent cooperative that distributes electricity to the Northern Zone of Costa Rica. It is a key player in the region’s development, offering a range of services and actively investing in projects that support economic growth and environmental sustainability, such as expanding the EV charging network.
For further information, visit coopesantos.com
About Coopesantos:
Coopesantos, R.L. provides electricity to the “Zona de los Santos” and surrounding areas, a region known for its coffee production. The cooperative focuses on delivering reliable energy while supporting community initiatives and adopting new technologies to meet the evolving needs of its members, including electric vehicle drivers.
For further information, visit jasec.go.cr
About Junta Administrativa del Servicio Eléctrico de Cartago (Jasec):
Jasec is the public entity responsible for providing electrical services to the canton of Cartago. It manages electricity distribution and public lighting, and is actively involved in modernizing its grid and services to support new demands like the growing fleet of electric vehicles in its jurisdiction.
For further information, visit esph-sa.com
About Empresa de Servicios Públicos de Heredia (ESPH):
ESPH is a public service company that provides electricity, water, and telecommunications services to the province of Heredia. As a multi-service utility, it plays an integral role in the region’s infrastructure and is investing in the expansion of the EV charging network to promote sustainable mobility.
For further information, visit cedet.or.cr
About Cámara de Empresas de Distribución de Energía y Telecomunicaciones (Cedet):
Cedet is the chamber that represents energy distribution and telecommunications companies in Costa Rica. It serves as a collective voice for the sector, advocating for policies that promote robust, reliable, and modern infrastructure to meet the country’s growing energy and connectivity demands.
For further information, visit cnfl.go.cr
About Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz (CNFL):
The National Power and Light Company (CNFL) is a subsidiary of ICE and the primary electricity distributor for Costa Rica’s densely populated Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM), including the capital, San José. It is responsible for maintaining and expanding the urban electrical grid to support millions of residents and businesses.
For further information, visit grupoice.com
About Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE):
The Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) is the state-owned vertically integrated electricity and telecommunications provider. It is responsible for the majority of the country’s power generation and transmission, as well as electricity distribution in rural and many coastal areas, making it a central player in national infrastructure projects.
For further information, visit asomove.org
About Asociación Costarricense de Movilidad Eléctrica (Asomove):
Asomove is the Costa Rican Electric Mobility Association, a non-profit organization that promotes the transition to electric transportation in the country. It advocates for better infrastructure, provides information to consumers, and works with public and private entities to accelerate EV adoption.
For further information, visit globalevalliance.com
About Global EV Alliance (GEVA):
The Global EV Alliance is an international network comprised of national electric vehicle driver associations from around the world. It facilitates the sharing of best practices and data, and advocates on a global scale for policies and infrastructure that support the growth of electric mobility.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its rich history of guiding a diverse clientele to pioneer progressive legal solutions and engage meaningfully with the public. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to democratizing legal understanding, aiming to equip citizens with the knowledge needed to build a more just and capable society.
