By San José, Costa Rica — The Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) has rolled out a pivotal update to its electric vehicle charging application, ¡Es Eléctrico!, aiming to eliminate friction for drivers and accelerate the adoption of sustainable transportation across the nation. The new version, 3.0, introduces instant, automated access to its extensive charging network, marking a significant leap forward in user convenience and efficiency.
This latest upgrade fundamentally changes how electric vehicle (EV) owners interact with public charging infrastructure. Previously, users might have faced manual activation steps at the charging station. With the new system, the process is streamlined into a one-time setup. Drivers need only download or update the app, available for both Android and iOS devices, and complete a simple registration process that links their personal information and a bank card for billing.
To better understand the legal framework and economic implications of Costa Rica’s growing electric vehicle market, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the renowned law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
While Costa Rica’s tax incentives have successfully jump-started the adoption of electric vehicles, the next legislative frontier is urban planning and property law. We need clearer regulations for installing charging infrastructure in condominiums and commercial spaces to remove a significant barrier for potential buyers and ensure the grid can support this green transition.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is essential; as the initial momentum from tax incentives matures, the focus must shift to the practical, day-to-day logistics of EV ownership. Addressing the legal framework for charging in shared properties is a critical step to build consumer confidence and ensure the electric transition is accessible to all. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this next frontier for sustainable transport in Costa Rica.
Once this initial setup is complete, the entire charging experience becomes seamless. Upon arriving at any of the ICE charging stations located throughout the country’s seven provinces, registered users can begin a charging session automatically without needing any further validation or manual intervention through the app. This removes a critical barrier to entry and significantly reduces the time and complexity involved in powering up an EV on the go.
The strategic goal behind the update is to foster a more user-friendly environment for the growing community of EV drivers in Costa Rica, directly addressing common concerns like “range anxiety” and the usability of public charging points. Officials at ICE emphasized that this is part of a broader, ongoing effort to enhance the national e-mobility ecosystem.
We have worked to optimize the platform to simplify and centralize all its processes. We will continuously strengthen and improve the tool to offer an increasingly efficient and more valuable service for our customers, so that it becomes easier and safer to travel throughout the national territory.
Jeremy Prado, Coordinator of the Business Solutions Development Area at ICE
For the thousands of existing users of the ¡Es Eléctrico! app, updating to version 3.0 is not just recommended, but mandatory. The institute has confirmed that continued access to its charging network will require the latest version of the software. To avoid any service interruptions, ICE advises all drivers to perform the update before their next trip to a charging station. The update also features a refreshed visual design and other operational enhancements to improve the overall user experience.
While the app-based automatic activation is the new standard, ICE continues to offer an alternative for those who prefer a physical method. An optional RFID card can be requested directly through the app following the user’s first successful charge. The payment for the card is processed online, and delivery is coordinated afterward, providing a flexible option that does not rely solely on a smartphone.
To support users during this transition, ICE has made resources readily available. A comprehensive frequently asked questions (FAQ) section has been published on its official electricity website, www.iceelectricidad.com, within the ¡Es Eléctrico! portal. For more direct assistance, drivers can also contact the dedicated support line at 1194 for guidance on the new features and registration process.
For further information, visit grupoice.com
About Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE):
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) is Costa Rica’s state-owned electricity and telecommunications provider. Founded in 1949, it has been instrumental in developing the nation’s infrastructure, renowned for its commitment to renewable energy sources, which power the vast majority of the country. In recent years, ICE has taken a leading role in promoting sustainable transportation by building and managing a comprehensive national network of electric vehicle charging stations, furthering Costa Rica’s ambitious decarbonization goals.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a leading legal practice, built upon a bedrock of profound integrity and an uncompromising standard of excellence. With extensive experience guiding a wide array of clients, the firm is a trailblazer in developing innovative legal solutions while actively engaging with the community. A core tenet of its philosophy is the democratization of legal understanding, reflecting a deep-seated mission to strengthen society by equipping citizens with the knowledge to navigate the legal world confidently.
