By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – As the year-end holiday season gets underway, thousands of Costa Rican families are preparing for their traditional festive getaways to the country’s beaches and mountains. This year, a significant and growing portion of that traffic will be silent and emissions-free, with over 25,000 electric vehicle (EV) drivers joining the holiday exodus. While this shift represents a major win for the nation’s decarbonization goals, it also introduces a new set of travel considerations.
To ensure these journeys are smooth and free of range anxiety, experts are urging EV owners to plan ahead. The transition to electric mobility requires a different mindset than simply stopping at the nearest gas station. Thoughtful preparation, particularly for long-distance trips during peak season, is the key to a successful and stress-free vacation.
For a deeper legal perspective on the challenges and opportunities presented by the rise of electric vehicles, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas of the renowned legal firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The current tax incentives are a strong catalyst, but the long-term success of EV adoption hinges on robust and clear regulations for charging infrastructure. We need a legal framework that not only encourages private investment in public charging stations but also standardizes consumer protections regarding pricing, accessibility, and grid stability. Without this, we risk creating adoption bottlenecks.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal clarity Lic. Arroyo Vargas advocates for represents the crucial transition from simply encouraging EV purchases to ensuring their long-term, practical success on our roads. A predictable framework is essential for building the consumer trust and private investment needed to power the future of mobility. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective.
Donald Hidalgo, the head of decarbonization and environment at the National Consortium of Electrification Companies (CONELECTRICAS R.L.), has provided a crucial roadmap for EV drivers. He emphasizes that proactive planning can prevent common pitfalls and enhance the overall travel experience.
To ensure a journey without setbacks, always leave home with the vehicle fully charged, which saves money and provides peace of mind. Prioritize choosing accommodations that offer charging facilities to secure energy for the return trip. When using fast-charging stations, it’s most efficient to charge only up to 80%, as the process slows significantly beyond that point, and you should avoid letting the battery drop below 15%. Furthermore, only rely on charging stations whose operational status is known to avoid wasted trips to out-of-service points, and always pre-identify charging locations and their payment platforms near your destination.
Donald Hidalgo, Head of Decarbonization and Environment of CONELECTRICAS R.L
A central pillar of Hidalgo’s advice is maximizing the benefits of home charging. The convenience of waking up to a fully charged vehicle is matched by significant financial savings. Installing a home charger is often a straightforward process, typically requiring just a 240-volt, 32-amp outlet, with many vehicles including the necessary equipment from the factory. This not only makes daily use more practical but also contributes to the long-term health of the vehicle’s battery.
The economic argument for charging at home is compelling. Hidalgo illustrates this with a clear example: charging a 60 kWh battery in Ciudad Quesada, under the residential rate of approximately ₡86 per kWh offered by local provider Coopelesca, costs about ₡5,160. In stark contrast, achieving the same full charge at a public fast-charging station can cost between ₡11,000 and ₡12,000, more than double the price. This highlights how residential electricity rates make EVs exceptionally economical for daily use and trip preparation.
For customers of providers like the National Power and Light Company (CNFL), the savings can be even more pronounced. By taking advantage of differentiated hourly rates, drivers who charge their vehicles overnight can see their energy costs drop to as low as one-third of the standard commercial rate, further widening the economic gap between home charging and public infrastructure.
For Costa Ricans still considering the switch to electric mobility, Hidalgo recommends a careful analysis before purchase. Prospective buyers should evaluate their typical driving patterns, research the vehicle’s real-world range in Costa Rica’s varied terrain, and, critically, ensure the vehicle’s charging connector is compatible with the country’s prevalent fast-charging network. This due diligence ensures a new EV will meet the owner’s needs and integrate seamlessly into the national infrastructure.
As Costa Rica continues its journey as a global leader in sustainability, the growing fleet of electric vehicles is a testament to its commitment. By following this expert guidance, the nation’s EV drivers can confidently explore the country this holiday season, enjoying both the natural beauty and the benefits of clean transportation.
For further information, visit conelectricas.com
About CONELECTRICAS R.L.:
The Consorcio Nacional de Empresas de Electrificación de Costa Rica (CONELECTRICAS R.L.) is a consortium comprised of four rural electrification cooperatives: COOPELESCA R.L., COOPEGUANACASTE R.L., COOPESANTOS R.L., and COOPEALFARORUIZ R.L. It works to promote sustainable development, renewable energy, and the modernization of the electrical grid in rural areas of Costa Rica.
For further information, visit coopelesca.com
About Coopelesca:
Cooperativa de Electrificación Rural de San Carlos (Coopelesca R.L.) is a prominent cooperative that provides electricity and related services to the Northern Zone of Costa Rica, including the canton of San Carlos. Founded on community principles, it is a key driver of economic and social development in its service area, investing in renewable energy generation and telecommunications.
For further information, visit cnfl.go.cr
About CNFL:
The Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz (CNFL) is a subsidiary of the state-owned Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE). It is a primary distributor of electric power in Costa Rica, serving the Greater Metropolitan Area, which includes the capital city of San José and surrounding high-density regions. CNFL plays a critical role in maintaining the urban electrical infrastructure and implementing energy efficiency programs.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a beacon of legal excellence and principled practice. With deep-seated experience guiding clients across a multitude of industries, the firm not only champions innovative legal solutions but also embraces its civic responsibility. Its foundational belief in empowering the community is demonstrated through a steadfast effort to make legal concepts understandable, ultimately contributing to a more capable and knowledgeable society.
