Costa Rica’s state-owned electricity provider, Grupo ICE, has announced plans to install 180 new public electric vehicle charging stations over the next three years as part of efforts to expand charging infrastructure nationwide.
The utility said the new chargers will be deployed in phases, with the first 25 units scheduled to enter service in 2026.
Expanding Charging Access Beyond Urban Areas
The charging network expansion is designed to improve access to public charging infrastructure outside Costa Rica’s Greater Metropolitan Area, where charging availability has traditionally been more concentrated.
Several charging stations are already operational at ICE facilities and partner locations, including sites in Limón, Guápiles, Puerto Jiménez, Golfito, and Hotelera del Sur in Pérez Zeledón.
These locations were selected to support travel routes connecting the Caribbean coast, southern Pacific region, and key national highway corridors.
Focus on Semi-Fast Charging
The new charging points will use 21 kW AC chargers, which Grupo ICE describes as semi-fast charging units.
The utility opted for AC charging technology due to its lower installation costs and simpler grid requirements compared with high-powered DC fast chargers.
According to the institute, the chargers can typically increase an electric vehicle’s battery state of charge from 20% to 60% in approximately one hour, depending on vehicle specifications and charging conditions.
Mobile App Integration
Drivers will be able to locate, activate, and pay for charging sessions through ICE’s “¡Es Eléctrico!” mobile application.
The app provides a real-time charging station map and allows users to manage charging sessions directly from their smartphones.
Grupo ICE said charging services will be priced at ₡99.70 per kilowatt-hour, plus applicable value-added tax (VAT).
Supporting Electric Mobility Growth
Costa Rica has emerged as one of Latin America’s leading markets for electric mobility, supported by favorable policies and a largely renewable electricity system.
The expansion of public charging infrastructure is expected to improve convenience for EV drivers while encouraging greater adoption of electric vehicles across the country.
Marco Acuña, President of Grupo ICE, said the initiative reflects the organization’s commitment to making electric mobility more accessible throughout Costa Rica.
“This initiative shows our commitment to electric mobility and to a more accessible and inclusive energy transition.”
“From the Institute, we are working to strengthen connectivity and bring charging services to communities that today have limitations, helping their integration into tourism and commercial activity.”
Supporting Sustainable Transportation
The rollout aligns with Costa Rica’s broader sustainability and decarbonization goals, which include reducing transport-sector emissions and promoting the use of clean energy.
By expanding charging infrastructure into underserved regions, Grupo ICE aims to support tourism, local businesses, and regional economic development while strengthening the country’s electric mobility ecosystem.
The planned deployment of 180 public chargers represents one of the country’s largest recent investments in EV charging infrastructure and is expected to further accelerate the transition to cleaner transportation.
