Electric Vehicle Subsidies and Infrastructure Costa Rica

Published on April 23, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

In a world where the urgent need for eco-friendly solutions is more pressing than ever, Costa Rica stands out as a pioneer in sustainable mobility through its bold initiatives to promote the use of electric vehicles.

This small Central American country has launched several grant programs to encourage citizens to transition to more environmentally friendly modes of transportation.

Furthermore, Costa Rica is heavily investing in extensive and accessible charging infrastructure, making the adoption of electric vehicles not only attractive but also practical.

These combined efforts place Costa Rica at the forefront of the green revolution, making this country an inspiring model for other nations aspiring to a more sustainable future.

Steps to Benefit from Eco-Friendly Grants in Costa Rica

Steps to Benefit from Eco-Friendly Grants in Costa Rica for Electric Vehicles:

1. Eligibility Verification

• Reside in Costa Rica (citizen or locally registered company).
• Purchase a 100% electric vehicle listed on the official list of eligible models.
• The vehicle must be new or, in some cases, a used imported vehicle that has not previously benefited from a grant.
• For companies: be in good standing with tax and social security obligations.

2. Preparation of Required Documents

• Identification document (individual) or certificate of incorporation/registration (company).
• Proof of residence or legal address.
• Pro forma or final invoice for the vehicle.
• Vehicle homologation certificate.
• Tax certificate proving no tax debts.
• Proof of payment of applicable taxes (or exemption request, depending on the scheme).
• For charging stations: installation quote and invoice, proof of ownership.

3. Submission of the Application

• Access the dedicated government platform (e.g., the website of the Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía or the Ministerio de Hacienda).
• Fill out the online form, attach scanned documents.
• For professionals: it may be necessary to submit the application through a tax advisor or notary.

4. Processing Times

• Generally, processing an application can take between 4 and 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the file and the time of year.
• Notification by email or through the platform once the application is processed.

5. Support Services and Platforms

• Official government digital platform (e.g., Trámite Ya or single electronic window).
• Dedicated telephone assistance within the relevant ministries.
• Information workshops offered by ICE (Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad) or sustainable mobility associations.

Eligibility Condition	Description/Required Example
Residence/Local Registration	ID card, registration certificate
Eligible Vehicle	Official list, homologation certificate
Up-to-Date Tax File	Tax certificate with no debt
Purchase Document	Pro forma or final invoice
Proof of Charger Installation	Quote, invoice, proof of ownership (for chargers)

Specific Grants Currently Offered:

• Partial or total exemption from customs duties for importing electric vehicles.
• VAT reduction or temporary exemption on certain models.
• Financial support for installing charging stations at home or in businesses.
• Reductions in circulation or registration taxes for electric vehicles.
• Tax credit or tax deductions for companies investing in electric mobility.

Concrete Examples of Grant Usage:

• Tourism Companies: Companies like Green Circle Experience have built 100% electric fleets, benefiting from both import exemptions and aid for installing charging stations, thus promoting sustainable tourism.
• Individuals: Since 2024, the increase in electric vehicle registrations is partly attributable to the massive use of grants, making buying an electric vehicle as accessible as a combustion vehicle for many households.
• Pilot Cities: Some municipalities have equipped their vehicle fleets with electric vehicles thanks to grants, reducing their carbon footprint and operating costs.

Note: Grant policies and amounts change regularly, notably with the reintroduction of a 7.75% selective tax on electric vehicles starting June 2025, replacing the total exemption period. It is therefore recommended to consult official platforms before taking any steps.

Important Box: To maximize your chances of obtaining a grant, prepare a complete file from the start and use the support services provided by Costa Rican authorities.

Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in the Country

Costa Rica is establishing itself as a regional leader in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, thanks to a proactive policy driven by the state and strategic partnerships with private companies. The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) leads most national initiatives, supported by the Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz (CNFL) and other sector players.

Main Government Initiatives and Partnerships:

• ICE collaborates with private partners to install charging stations in strategic locations such as major roadways, urban centers, and tourist areas.
• Development is based on a regulatory framework that facilitates private investment by simplifying land permits, clearly defining electricity rates for public charging, and progressively integrating consumer protections.
• New sites offer an improved user experience: comfortable waiting areas, restrooms, Wi-Fi connection, and partner cafes.

Progress Made and Future Goals:

Indicator	Current Situation (2025)	Projects & Goals
Total number of fast chargers	~40 (ICE network)	+230 new chargers planned by 2026
Multi-charger stations	Present in 7 provinces	Expansion to rural/border areas
Territorial coverage	Main corridors	Goal: complete national coverage
Tourist access	Increased facilitation	Targeted deployment at tourist sites

• In 2025–2026, ICE plans to install 230 new points, including 30 in the first half of the year. These deployments notably include remote or border regions to ensure a dense national network.
• Recent stations integrate multiple fast chargers (>150 kW), simultaneously increasing capacity and speed.

Technologies Used and Accessibility:

• Standard AC Chargers: moderate power (~22 kW), suitable for extended parking.
• Fast DC Chargers: high power (>50–150 kW), charging in under an hour depending on the vehicle model.
• Superchargers/Ultra-fast chargers: gradual deployment; these units allow even faster charging on compatible models.

Accessibility:

• Simplified payment: it is now possible to use a standard bank card at CNFL chargers—no more RFID requirement—which also promotes green tourism.
• Transparent but variable pricing depending on the operator; regulations are being developed to harmonize national costs.

Challenges & Opportunities for Expansion:

Challenges

• Regulatory framework still evolving regarding land ownership, electricity distribution, technical standardization
• Need to harmonize technologies between public/private operators
• High initial cost for extensive infrastructure

Opportunities

• Rapid growth of the electric vehicle fleet (>16,000 vehicles already registered)
• Stimulation of the tourism sector through zero-carbon infrastructure
• Direct reduction of polluting emissions from transportation

The continued expansion of the network greatly facilitates mass adoption by the general public. Territorial densification combined with better pricing accessibility creates a virtuous cycle towards the carbon neutrality sought by Costa Rica.

Impact of Incentives on Electric Car Adoption in Costa Rica

Financial incentives such as grants and tax reductions have played a decisive role in the rise of electric cars in Costa Rica. Since 2018, the country has established a total tax exemption on electric vehicles, a measure in effect until 2033. This policy has greatly contributed to making these vehicles more accessible, significantly reducing their purchase cost.

Recent Statistics on Market Evolution:

Year	Number of Electric Vehicles Sold/Year	Total EV Fleet Recorded
2021	> 1,000	2,529
2024	n/a (market share: 15.4%)	n/a

• In 2021, for the first time, more than 1,000 electric cars were purchased in a single year.
• In January 2022, Costa Rica had 2,529 electric vehicles.
• In 2024, the market share of electric cars reached 15.4%, the highest in the American continent for the third consecutive year.

Government Policies in Place:

• Tax exemptions on electric vehicles until 2033.
• Infrastructure support: Rapid installation of charging stations, with the goal of adding 230 new stations by 2025, including 30 of 150 kW in the first half of the year.
• Institutional support: Commitment from ICE (Costa Rican Electricity Institute) and CNFL to deploy a national charging network, including in rural and border areas.

Analysis of Measure Effectiveness:

• The growth in market share demonstrates the effectiveness of these incentives.
• The tax exemption has enabled a gradual democratization of electric mobility, despite the temporary decrease in public tax revenue.
• The expansion of the charging network improves user confidence and facilitates adoption outside major cities.

Testimonials and Perceptions:

• Users report that the absence of taxes and the increasing availability of charging stations are key factors in their purchase decision.
• Experts (ASOMOVE, ICE) emphasize the importance of stable policy and public commitment to maintain market momentum.

Regional Comparison:

Country	Main Incentives	EV Market Share (2024)	Charging Infrastructure
Costa Rica	Tax exemptions, public support	15.4%	Dense network, expansion planned
Brazil	Tax reductions, tax credits	~2%	Infrastructure developing
Other Countries	Often lack of stable incentives	Variable	Limited development