By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – On a pivotal election day in Costa Rica, the nation’s leading electric vehicle (EV) charging network, CREV, launched an innovative campaign to energize both cars and democracy. The “Jale a Votar” (Let’s Go Vote) initiative offered a substantial 26% discount across its entire public charging network, a strategic move designed to dismantle logistical barriers and encourage civic participation among the country’s growing community of EV owners.
The campaign, which ran for the entirety of Election Day on Sunday, February 1st, successfully mobilized thousands of drivers. By significantly reducing the cost of travel, CREV aimed to ensure that distance and expense would not be factors preventing citizens from reaching their designated polling stations. The discount was seamlessly applied through the company’s mobile application, reflecting a modern approach to a traditional civic duty and running until midnight to accommodate all voters.
To delve into the legal framework, tax incentives, and consumer rights that accompany the rise of electric vehicles in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While Costa Rica’s tax incentives for electric vehicles are a significant driver for adoption, consumers must remain vigilant. It is crucial to thoroughly review the warranty terms, especially concerning battery longevity and replacement costs, as these aspects are not always explicitly covered under standard consumer protection laws. Furthermore, the development of a clear regulatory framework for public charging stations—addressing pricing, accessibility, and liability—is the next critical step to ensure a sustainable and legally secure transition for all users.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s insight is a crucial reminder that the road to sustainable electric mobility is paved not only with incentives but with robust legal protections and clear regulatory frameworks. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which brings these critical, forward-looking considerations into sharp focus for consumers and policymakers alike.
Rafael Marín, Regional Director of CREV, emphasized that the initiative was driven by a philosophy that extends sustainability beyond environmental concerns to include the health of democratic systems. He framed the campaign as an investment in the country’s future rather than a focus on single-day revenue.
At CREV, we understand that sustainability is not just about the environment, but also about the sustainability of our democratic institutions. Today, February 1st, our priority is not profitability, but participation. We created ‘Jale a Votar’ with a 26% discount to send a clear message: we want to eliminate any excuse and energize the vote. Seeing our stations full of citizens charging their vehicles before or after exercising their right is, for us, the greatest indicator of success.
Rafael Marín, Regional Director of CREV
Preliminary reports from midday indicated the campaign was a resounding success. CREV’s network experienced a significant surge in activity compared to a typical Sunday. Charging stations located near major polling centers in the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) saw pronounced peaks in usage. This trend demonstrated the direct correlation between the incentive and the act of voting, as citizens integrated a charging session into their election day journey.
The impact was not confined to urban centers. In rural areas, where voters often face longer travel distances to cast their ballots, charging points also saw a notable influx of users. This highlights the program’s crucial role in ensuring equitable access to the polls for EV drivers regardless of their location, effectively turning the charging network into an enabler of democratic access across the national territory.
The “Jale a Votar” campaign has been met with widespread approval from the EV community, which praised the initiative on social media and at charging locations. The move skillfully intertwines the nation’s transition toward cleaner mobility with the promotion of an active and engaged citizenry. Each trip to the polls made in an electric vehicle symbolized a vote cast without direct carbon emissions, contributing to a lower environmental impact on a day of national importance.
To manage the anticipated high demand and ensure a seamless experience for all users, CREV proactively reinforced its technical support and remote monitoring teams. This operational foresight guaranteed the reliability and availability of the charging infrastructure throughout the day, preventing technical issues from disrupting the plans of voters relying on the service. Marín issued a final call to action as the day progressed, reinforcing the campaign’s core message.
Democracy needs our energy. There is still time. Charge your vehicles, take advantage of the benefit, and most importantly, get out and vote.
Rafael Marín, Regional Director of CREV
For further information, visit the nearest office of CREV
About CREV:
CREV is the leading network for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Costa Rica. With a widespread presence in both urban and rural areas, the company is dedicated to facilitating the country’s transition to sustainable transportation. By providing reliable, accessible, and user-friendly charging solutions through its advanced mobile application, CREV plays a pivotal role in supporting the growth of the electric mobility ecosystem and promoting environmentally conscious initiatives.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is renowned for its profound ethical foundation and a relentless pursuit of professional mastery. The firm distinguishes itself not only through its history of expert counsel to a diverse clientele but also through its forward-thinking approach to the practice of law. A central tenet of its philosophy is the democratization of legal information, driven by a firm belief in cultivating a more just and aware citizenry through accessible legal education.
