Costa Rica's ICE to install 230 electric chargers, boosting the speed of electric mobility in the country by 2025
Costa Rica's Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) Announces Major Expansion of Electric Charging Infrastructure
The Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) has announced a significant expansion of its electric charging infrastructure, aiming to install 230 new fast and semi-fast chargers across the country by 2025.
In a recent development, ICE has purchased 30 additional fast chargers, each with a capacity of 150 kW, from the brand StarCharge. These fast chargers will be installed in strategic locations, including areas near the border with Panama and Nicaragua. Jonathan Bonilla, ICE's electromobility coordinator, stated that this move is part of the organisation's commitment to improving the quality of service and reinforcing rural and border regions.
The project is in its final development phase and involves participation from both a public and private company, whose name has yet to be revealed. Bonilla also suggested evaluating a power-based model for charging fees in the future.
ICE has been a leader in electric mobility in Central America, attracting interest from countries like Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. The company has participated in international cooperation agreements, offering advice and sharing its experience in purchasing and installing electric chargers with other Central American countries.
The choice of StarCharge was based on factors such as technology, spare parts support, and the in-house manufacturing of electronic cards and connectors. The cost of using fast chargers is regulated per minute by ICE. Access to chargers is available 24/7, 365 days a year, in strategic locations like shopping centers and tourist areas.
In addition to the fast chargers, ICE plans to install 200 additional semi-fast chargers, with a capacity of 21 kW, in strategic urban and peri-urban areas. These chargers will complement the existing network, aiming to refresh some existing strategic points and strengthen areas with higher demand for charging.
The tendering process for the project is almost complete, and the contract with the supplier is expected to be signed soon. ICE has faced challenges installing chargers in rural areas due to limited electrical infrastructure, but has succeeded in installing them over 300 kilometers from San Jose.
The expansion project will not only improve the quality of service but also reinforce Costa Rica's position as a leader in electric mobility in Central America. With the addition of new chargers, ICE is set to provide a more efficient and accessible charging network for electric vehicle users across the country.
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