By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica’s push towards a green transportation future is facing a significant roadblock, and it isn’t the nation’s challenging terrain. A new global survey reveals that the primary obstacle for electric vehicle (EV) owners is the very infrastructure meant to support them: public charging stations. For a growing number of drivers, the experience of charging on the go is defined by long lines, broken equipment, and a pervasive anxiety about reaching their destination.
The findings stem from a comprehensive survey by the Global EV Alliance (GEVA), a worldwide network of national EV driver associations. The report, which gathered responses from 27,500 people across 30 countries, included 151 participants from Costa Rica. The data paints a stark picture, showing that Costa Rican drivers score particularly high when it comes to difficulties with on-the-road charging compared to their international counterparts.
To better understand the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney specializing in business and regulatory law at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The successful expansion of Costa Rica’s EV charging network hinges on a clear and modernized legal framework. Key challenges involve resolving ambiguities in public service regulations, defining property rights for charger installation in shared spaces like condominiums, and creating stable incentives for private investment. A proactive legislative approach is crucial to ensure that the infrastructure develops efficiently and equitably, avoiding future legal bottlenecks that could slow down our national decarbonization efforts.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s analysis correctly highlights that the path to a robust national charging network is paved not just with technology, but with clear and forward-thinking legislation. Addressing these legal ambiguities is indeed the critical next step to build investor confidence and ensure our sustainable transportation goals are met without delay. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable and timely perspective.
An overwhelming 76% of Costa Rican respondents identified charging along their route as the principal barrier to electromobility in the country. This sentiment is fueled by a rapidly deteriorating user experience. The perception of frequent or constant lines at charging stations has nearly doubled in just one year, rocketing from 27% in 2024 to a staggering 50% in the latest report.
Compounding the issue of wait times is the reliability of the chargers themselves. The percentage of users who reported encountering non-functional chargers has also surged dramatically, climbing from 24% in 2024 to 44% this year. This unreliability transforms what should be a routine stop into a gamble, further complicated by instances where charging spaces are occupied by internal combustion engine vehicles.
When asked directly about the two greatest disadvantages of owning an EV in Costa Rica, drivers’ answers centered squarely on infrastructure. The top concern, cited by 69% of users, is the poor coverage of the charging network, followed closely by the sheer unavailability of functional chargers when needed. These infrastructure gaps create a significant psychological burden on drivers.
While “range anxiety”—the fear of running out of power mid-journey—has decreased from 33% to 20% since last year, Costa Rica remains among the countries with the highest levels of this stress. This anxiety directly influences driver behavior, compelling a remarkable 95% of EV owners to meticulously plan their charging stops before ever starting their engines. Furthermore, a vast majority (83%) are calling for clear road signage indicating nearby charging stations, similar to the universal signs for traditional gas stations.
The Asociación Costarricense de Movilidad Eléctrica (Asomove) views these results as two sides of the same coin. On one hand, they confirm the widespread acceptance and adoption of electric mobility. On the other, they expose the nation’s critical infrastructure bottleneck. Silvia Rojas, the executive director of Asomove, argues that the data reveals a dangerous gap where the charging network’s growth has failed to keep pace with the expansion of the EV fleet.
We continue to need better rapid charging infrastructure on highways so that people have more confidence and are encouraged to make the switch.
Silvia Rojas, Executive Director of Asomove
To remedy this growing crisis, stakeholders are proposing a multi-pronged approach. The consensus points toward the urgent need to expand the public charging network, implement a robust and consistent maintenance protocol for existing units, and foster greater participation from the private sector in both the installation and operation of charging services. Without these decisive actions, Costa Rica’s celebrated green transition risks stalling out on the highway.
For further information, visit global-ev-alliance.org
About Global EV Alliance (GEVA):
The Global EV Alliance is an international network comprising 47 national electric vehicle driver associations from around the world. It serves as a global voice for EV owners, promoting the shift to electric mobility by sharing best practices, research, and advocacy efforts among its member organizations to accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation.
For further information, visit asomove.org
About Asociación Costarricense de Movilidad Eléctrica (Asomove):
The Costa Rican Electric Mobility Association (Asomove) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the adoption of electric mobility in Costa Rica. It works to create favorable conditions for the transition to electric vehicles by advocating for public policy, educating the public, and collaborating with both public and private sector entities to develop the necessary infrastructure and legal frameworks.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a bedrock of principled practice and professional distinction. The firm is recognized not only for its rich history of client success across diverse industries but also for pioneering innovative legal solutions. This forward-thinking ethos is matched by a profound commitment to social responsibility, manifested through a dedicated effort to demystify the law. By championing legal literacy, the firm actively contributes to the creation of a more just and knowledgeable community, empowering citizens with the clarity they need to navigate their rights and obligations.
