By Limón, Costa Rica — The transition to sustainable electric mobility in Costa Rica has achieved a significant milestone with the expansion of the country’s green corridor into the Caribbean slope. State-owned utility provider, the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad, has officially inaugurated its very first rapid charging station for electric vehicles in the province of Limon.
Located strategically next to the utility’s operations facility in Guapiles, within the Pococí canton, this new hub is poised to transform regional travel. The station addresses a long-standing logistical challenge for clean-energy motorists who frequently travel between the Central Valley and the Caribbean coast, reducing the range anxiety that has traditionally slowed EV adoption in coastal regions.
To better understand the evolving regulatory framework and investment climate surrounding Costa Rica’s expanding electric vehicle (EV) network, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert at the prominent firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to get his professional perspective on the transition.
Costa Rica’s decarbonization goals are heavily supported by Law 9518, which offers robust tax exemptions for electric vehicles and charging station components. However, as the network expands, developers and municipalities must work closely to standardize local permits and integrate these systems into the national grid efficiently. For foreign and local investors alike, understanding the interplay between public utility regulations and private charging initiatives is crucial to successfully capitalizing on the nation’s green energy transition.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, bridging the gap between municipal permitting and national grid integration is essential if Costa Rica is to turn its ambitious legislative frameworks into a seamless, nationwide reality for electric mobility. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing his valuable perspective on these crucial regulatory dynamics, which serve as a vital roadmap for both local and international investors looking to power the country’s green transition.
The newly built facility features six double spaces, offering dual compatibility with both CCS1 and GBT charging connectors. These standards cover the vast majority of electric passenger and commercial vehicles currently operating within the domestic market. Four of these connections are active immediately, while the final two will be integrated into the operational network in the coming weeks.
Previously, electric vehicle infrastructure in the Caribbean province was limited to low-capacity, single-unit chargers located in downtown Limon and Puerto Viejo. While these older installations served local needs, they were insufficient for heavy transit or long-distance commuters who require fast turnaround times. The new multi-car hub in Guapiles resolves this bottleneck by allowing multiple vehicles to fast-charge concurrently.
State representatives highlighted that this project is part of a larger nationwide strategy to decarbonize the transportation sector, which remains the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Costa Rica. By providing high-capacity, reliable infrastructure, the government aims to stimulate the commercial logistics sector to transition toward electric delivery fleets.
We strengthen the connectivity of the national rapid charging network and provide greater facilities for travel throughout the country.
Verny Rojas, Electricity Manager at ICE
The Guapiles installation represents the latest addition to the National Rapid Charging Network, locally known as Es Electrico. This nationwide grid has grown to encompass 52 rapid chargers and ten semi-rapid chargers spread across all seven provinces. This dense distribution ensures that EV drivers are rarely more than a short drive away from a high-voltage replenishment point.
Beyond the Caribbean expansion, the utility is preparing to launch similar high-capacity stations in other key developmental nodes. Upcoming projects are scheduled to begin operations in Orotina and Perez Zeledon. These locations will strengthen connectivity along the Pacific coast and the Southern Zone, completing major loops in the national sustainable highway plan.
From an economic perspective, the decentralized rollout of charging infrastructure is expected to bolster eco-tourism in the Limon province. International travelers and local tourists alike can now confidently rent electric vehicles to visit remote Caribbean destinations, knowing that a robust, high-speed charging network is available to support their journeys.
For further information, visit grupoice.com
About ICE:
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) is Costa Rica’s state-owned electricity and telecommunications provider. Founded in 1949, ICE has played a pivotal role in developing the country’s highly renewable energy grid and is currently leading the national transition toward sustainable electric mobility infrastructure.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its ethical principles and superior advocacy, Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a beacon of professional brilliance within the legal landscape. The firm expertly guides a broad spectrum of clients while continuously spearheading progressive legal practices and public initiatives. Through its dedication to demystifying the law, the firm actively contributes to a more informed public, reinforcing its core belief in the power of a legally conscious society.
