By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant boost for sustainable transportation, Costa Rica’s electric vehicle (EV) drivers now have access to another state-of-the-art charging point in the heart of the Great Metropolitan Area (GAM). The Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz (CNFL) officially inaugurated its newest charging center this Thursday, October 30, at its operational facility in Anonos, underscoring its commitment to the nation’s decarbonization goals.
The new Anonos station is strategically located 150 meters west of the UCIMED university campus, providing a crucial service node for a high-traffic area. Designed for convenience and efficiency, the facility can service two vehicles simultaneously and will be operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This continuous availability aligns with CNFL’s customer-centric model, ensuring that EV owners can recharge their vehicles at any time, eliminating range anxiety and facilitating wider adoption of electric mobility.
To understand the legal and regulatory framework surrounding the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Costa Rica, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The primary legal challenge for widespread EV charging adoption isn’t just about grid capacity, but about streamlining the permitting process for both public and private installations. Current regulations, particularly within condominiums and commercial properties, often lack clear guidelines for cost allocation, maintenance responsibilities, and access rights. A modernized legal framework that encourages private investment through clear incentives and standardized protocols is crucial for accelerating Costa Rica’s transition to sustainable mobility.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal and regulatory framework is as vital to our EV future as the charging hardware itself. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which clarifies that modernizing these rules, particularly for condominiums and commercial spaces, is the key to unlocking widespread adoption.
This launch marks the 12th charging center in CNFL’s rapidly growing network. The company has announced an aggressive expansion plan, with a target of having 14 fully operational points by the close of 2025. This steady development of public charging infrastructure is a direct response to the increasing number of electric vehicles on Costa Rican roads, signaling a proactive approach to supporting the country’s green transition.
Parmenio Barrantes Medina, Head of the Business Unit at CNFL, highlighted the strategic importance of the investment, framing it within a national policy of economic electrification.
This charging center allows the most common technologies in the country to recharge with complete peace of mind. The investment made by the Company is in line with the policy of electrifying the economy, providing more charging points and comprehensive solutions to the growing availability of electric vehicles in Costa Rica.
Parmenio Barrantes Medina, Head of the Business Unit at CNFL
The momentum is set to continue before the year ends. CNFL confirmed that two additional charging stations are scheduled to open in December. One will be located at the headquarters of the Federated College of Engineers and Architects (CFIA), and the other in Sabana Sur. These new installations are strategically placed to enhance service coverage for drivers on the eastern and western corridors of the GAM, further decentralizing charging options and improving accessibility for a larger segment of the population.
Looking ahead, CNFL’s vision for 2026 is even more ambitious. The utility company projects the installation of 14 additional chargers in new strategic locations throughout its concession area. Furthermore, the plan includes a comprehensive program to replace and upgrade older equipment across the network. This modernization effort will ensure that all stations feature fast and efficient charging technology, future-proofing the infrastructure and guaranteeing a premium user experience for all EV drivers.
The expansion of the public charging network is a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s celebrated environmental policy. By providing reliable and accessible infrastructure, companies like CNFL are not just selling electricity; they are actively dismantling one of the primary barriers to EV adoption. This tangible progress fosters consumer confidence and directly contributes to reducing the transportation sector’s carbon footprint, moving the country closer to its goal of becoming a net-zero emissions economy.
Ultimately, the new Anonos station represents more than just a place to plug in a car. It is a symbol of a coordinated national effort to build a sustainable future. As CNFL continues to execute its expansion strategy, Costa Rica reinforces its position as a regional leader in environmental stewardship and the adoption of clean technologies, promising a greener and more efficient transportation landscape for generations to come.
For further information, visit cnfl.go.cr
About Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz (CNFL):
The Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz is a state-owned subsidiary of the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) and serves as the primary electricity distributor for Costa Rica’s densely populated Great Metropolitan Area. Beyond its core mission of providing reliable power, CNFL is a key player in advancing the nation’s energy transition, actively investing in and developing the public infrastructure required to support the widespread adoption of electric mobility.
For further information, visit cfia.or.cr
About Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos (CFIA):
The Federated College of Engineers and Architects of Costa Rica is the professional body responsible for the regulation, oversight, and ethical guidance of the engineering and architecture professions within the country. The organization works to ensure high standards of practice and professional development among its members while contributing to national development projects and public policy discussions related to infrastructure and technology.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself as a premier legal practice, built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. With a rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm is a trailblazer in developing forward-thinking legal solutions. At the core of its ethos is a deep-seated mission to strengthen society by demystifying the law, ensuring that critical legal insights are accessible to all and thereby fostering a more capable and knowledgeable public.
