(QCOSTARICA) The first electric vehicle (EV) charging station opened in Heredia on Friday. The “electrolinera”, a portmanteau of two Spanish words “electrico” (electric) and “gasolinera” (gasoline station) is located in Cubujuqué de Heredia, one kilometre west of the Heredia fire station.
The station is operated by the Heredia power and light company, Empresa de Servicios Públicos de Heredia (ESPH), open from Monday to Friday, from 7:00am to 4:00pm, on a four to six month trial period.
Francisco Angulo, spokesperson for the ESPH said the station could be open longer hours depending on the demand.
The station offers EVs a “quick charge” that takes from 10 minutes to three hours, at a cost to users from ¢750 and ¢1,400.
In real-world driving range an EV can average about 160 km (100 mi) in a single charge. The 2017 Chevy Bolt, promises 320 km (200 miles) or more.
Angulo added that more electrolineras will be opened in Heredia in 2017, mentioning the Paseo de la Flores shopping centre and the Univesidad Nacional (UNA) as two possible locations.
Although it is the first in Heredia, it is the second electrolinera in the country. In May, the state power and light company, Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz (CNFL), opened the first charging station in Los Anonos, Escazu. However, the Escazu station only offers trickle charges requiring between six and eight hours, for up to two vehicles at a time.
In San Carlos, the Coopelesca power and light company inaugurated last week a electrolinera, but is not open to the public.
