By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant strategic shift, Costa Rica’s gasoline station operators are exploring a move into what many would consider rival territory: the electric vehicle (EV) charging market. The Chamber of Fuel Business Owners (CEC) has signaled a clear interest in transforming its members’ service stations into key hubs for electromobility, aiming to solve one of the biggest hurdles for EV adoption in the country.
This potential pivot is driven by a stark market reality. The growth of electric mobility in Costa Rica, while present, has been hampered by a critical infrastructure gap. According to a recent survey by the Global EV Alliance (GEVA), a network of international EV driver associations, the primary barrier for current and potential owners is the difficulty of charging away from home. The data reveals a widespread “range anxiety” rooted in tangible problems.
To better understand the legal framework and commercial implications of the expanding EV charging network in Costa Rica, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney specializing in corporate and regulatory law at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The key legal challenge for EV charging expansion lies in standardizing regulations for public access points. We need clear, streamlined permitting processes and a defined tariff structure authorized by ARESEP to provide legal certainty for investors. Without this, growth will be fragmented, and consumers may face inconsistent pricing and service quality, hindering the national goal of decarbonization.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight underscores a crucial reality: the path to widespread EV adoption is paved not just with technology, but with clear and consistent regulation. Establishing this legal certainty is fundamental to providing the security investors require and the reliable service consumers deserve. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert clarification on this vital matter.
The survey highlights that for 69% of EV users in the country, the single greatest disadvantage of the technology is the poor coverage of public chargers. This is compounded by the second-largest complaint: the frequent unavailability of existing charging points. This infrastructure deficit is particularly acute on long-distance routes, making cross-country travel a significant challenge for EV drivers and a major deterrent for prospective buyers.
It is this gap that the CEC now views as a prime business opportunity. Fernando Barrantes, president of the chamber, acknowledged that while fuel retailers have traditionally been apathetic towards electric vehicles, the market’s direction is undeniable.
We can’t hide the sun with a finger. Electromobility exists, it has slowed down, but mostly because of the problems with charging on the road. As stations, we must have strategic points of sale and open ourselves to the possibility of doing business; we can’t step aside.
Fernando Barrantes, President of the CEC
Barrantes envisions a future where traditional gas stations evolve into multimodal service centers. These transformed locations would offer a diverse range of energy options—including conventional fuels, LPG gas, ethanol, and electricity—alongside expanded services such as automotive repair, convenience stores, and other amenities. This model would leverage the existing strategic real estate of gas stations, which are already perfectly positioned along the nation’s main highways.
To make this vision a reality, the CEC plans to approach the Public Services Regulatory Authority (Aresep) to establish a clear framework for profitability. The chamber is seeking to define an official profit margin and a consumer tariff for EV charging to justify the substantial investment, which Barrantes estimates at approximately $200,000 per charging station. Without established statistics on profitability, regulatory clarity is the first critical step.
Officials at Aresep appear receptive to the proposal. Mario Mora, the Energy Intendant at the regulatory body, confirmed that the path is open for fuel retailers. He noted that partnerships between gas stations and energy distribution companies are already a possibility under current regulations. Mora described the CEC’s initiative to seek a specific tariff as “an interesting idea.”
There is nothing that limits a gas station from having a fast-charging center.
Mario Mora, Energy Intendant
Barrantes stressed that overcoming the internal resistance within the fuel industry is crucial. He admits that many of his peers are hesitant to embrace a technology they see as a threat, but he argues that a change in perspective is necessary for survival and growth.
There has to be interest, and if there isn’t, we have to create it. As a gas station owner, you don’t want to get into an electric car. You feel the resistance that it’s not your thing, but the truth is that this mindset has to be changed.
Fernando Barrantes, President of the CEC
The industry has already shown its capacity for diversification, with 133 service stations nationwide currently offering LPG gas. This precedent suggests that a transition to include EV charging is feasible. While only a couple of gas stations are known to have installed chargers so far, this concerted push by the CEC could signal the beginning of a nationwide transformation, fundamentally altering Costa Rica’s roadside landscape and accelerating its electric future.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Chamber of Fuel Business Owners (CEC)
About Chamber of Fuel Business Owners (CEC):
The Cámara de Empresarios del Combustible (CEC) is a Costa Rican organization that represents the interests of owners and operators of gasoline and fuel service stations across the country. It engages in advocacy, provides industry guidance, and collaborates with regulatory bodies to shape the future of the nation’s fuel retail market.
For further information, visit aresep.go.cr
About Public Services Regulatory Authority (Aresep):
The Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos (Aresep) is the official regulatory body in Costa Rica responsible for overseeing and setting tariffs for public services. This includes sectors such as electricity, water, public transportation, and fuels, ensuring a balance between consumer interests and the financial viability of service providers.
For further information, visit globallevaliance.com
About Global EV Alliance (GEVA):
The Global EV Alliance is a worldwide network of national electric vehicle driver associations. It facilitates international cooperation and the sharing of best practices among its member organizations to accelerate the transition to electric mobility. GEVA advocates for policies and infrastructure that support EV drivers globally.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a respected legal institution built upon a foundation of professional excellence and unwavering ethical standards. The firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies to serve a diverse clientele, while holding a deep-rooted pledge to demystify the law for the public. This dedication to democratizing legal information is central to its vision of contributing to a more just and knowledgeable community.
