Q COSTA RICA — Electric vehicles continue to gain ground in Costa Rica. During the first half of 2026, this segment reached a market share exceeding 20% of new vehicle sales, maintaining its growth trend and positioning the country among the markets with the highest penetration of electric mobility in the Americas.
In January, 698 units were registered, representing 11.58% of the market, while in February, the share increased to 20.50% with 856 vehicles.
In March, 783 units were sold, representing 21.60% of the market.
The trend continued in April with 836 vehicles and a 22.29% market share, followed by May with 1,017 units (21.22%) and June with 1,100 vehicles, equivalent to 20.38% of total new car sales.
Currently, Costa Rica has over 41,000 electric vehicles on the road, including cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses.
The growth of the vehicle fleet coincides with the expansion of charging infrastructure.
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) — Costa Rican Electricity Institute — reported the installation of 180 new semi-fast chargers throughout the country, in addition to the modernization of the fast-charging network through the replacement of equipment in Guápiles, Quepos, Uvita, and Palmar Norte.
These advances are complemented by the opening of the market to allow private companies to invest in public charging infrastructure.
The law authorizing private companies to operate fast-charging stations has already been signed and published, while the Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía (MINAE) — Ministry of Environment and Energy — is working on the regulations for its implementation.
“Costa Rica is entering a new phase of electric mobility: mass adoption. We are no longer just seeing sustained sales growth, but also significant infrastructure expansion and the opening of the market for new private companies to invest in charging stations.
“All of this strengthens consumer confidence and confirms that gasoline and diesel vehicles continue to lose ground to a more efficient, cheaper-to-operate, and cleaner technology for the country, such as 100% electric mobility,” commented Silvia Rojas, director of the Asociación Costarricense de Movilidad Eléctrican (ASOMOVE) — Costa Rican Association of Electric Mobility.
It remains to be seen whether this trend will continue during the second half of the year, although the combination of public policies, increased infrastructure investment, and an ever-expanding range of electric vehicles could be key factors in ensuring this growth continues.