In a significant stride towards sustainable transportation, Costa Rica achieved a major milestone last month as electric vehicles accounted for more than a quarter of all new vehicle registrations for the first time. Data presented at the International Electric Mobility Congress revealed that 25.6% of new vehicles in October were electric, setting a new record.
The Costa Rican Electric Mobility Association (ASOMOVE) unveiled these figures on November 6 during the congress in San José. Of the total, 1,095 electric vehicles were registered, with 1,029 being cars. The remainder included motorcycles, special vehicles, and cargo models.
This surge in electric vehicle adoption reflects a continuing trend seen throughout the year. In September, electric vehicles comprised 21.7% of new registrations, while August saw 19.3%, and May marked 18.2%. ASOMOVE’s executive director, Silvia Rojas, emphasized the significance of this growth, stating, “The country aims for this kind of progress. That growth curve will keep rising and speeding up.”
As of the end of September, Costa Rica had 31,500 electric vehicles on its roads, with projections suggesting this number could reach 35,000 by the year’s end. This positions Costa Rica as a leader in electric vehicle adoption in Latin America, surpassing regional peers in clean transport market penetration.
The push for electric mobility aligns with broader objectives to reduce carbon emissions and modernize public transit. With elections approaching in 2026, the topic has become a focal point in political discourse. During the congress, presidential candidates Claudia Dobles, Juan Carlos Hidalgo, and Álvaro Ramos expressed support for electrifying transport and improving regulations.
However, challenges remain, particularly in infrastructure. The country currently has only 78 charging stations for over 35,000 vehicles, resulting in a ratio of one charger for every 448 cars. Rojas highlighted the need for improved electrical coverage and reliable fast chargers, noting, “People need working stations without hassle when they plug in.”
To tackle these infrastructure challenges, ASOMOVE supports Bill 24.171, which would allow private companies to install chargers and offer charging services, potentially expanding the network and improving accessibility for drivers.
The market is predominantly led by Chinese brands, which account for 70% of electric cars in the country. Models such as the BYD Seagull are popular due to their low ownership costs, attracting buyers amid rising fuel prices and tax incentives for electric vehicles. Since 2018, the government has promoted duty-free imports for fully electric vehicles, despite gradual tax increases on hybrids.
Across the region, Latin America and the Caribbean experienced a significant increase in their electric vehicle fleet, which surpassed 444,000 units in 2024, nearly tripling from the previous year. Costa Rica’s contribution, with over 29,000 units, represented 16% of new vehicle registrations at that time, serving as a benchmark for others. While Brazil and Mexico lead in numbers, smaller nations like Guatemala and the Dominican Republic are experiencing rapid growth.
October also marked the introduction of the first electric buses in public fleets as a trial. ASOMOVE’s monthly magazine highlighted these developments alongside statistics showing consistent monthly registrations exceeding 800 units since spring.
The congress served as a platform for discussing sustainable transport’s role in reducing dependency on oil. Globally, electric vehicles prevented the burning of 1.3 million barrels of oil per day last year. For Costa Rica, largely powered by renewable energy, the transition to electric vehicles promises cleaner air and reduced commuter costs.
Drivers have reported savings on maintenance and fuel, with electric models proving reliable in both urban and rural settings. Grassroots networks have also emerged to address range concerns in remote areas.
The path forward requires addressing infrastructure and policy issues. With political candidates in agreement, the next administration has the potential to accelerate the transition, positioning Costa Rica as a model for the region.
Original Story at ticotimes.net