The Rally of the Tropics was one of APVE’s most emblematic initiatives, held in 2001. This rally, covering a distance of 324.1 km divided into nine stages, was the first of its kind in Costa Rica and remains the only interoceanic rally in the world. Its objective was to promote the research and development of electric vehicles and their components, as well as the support systems necessary for their operation.

The event began on a rainy morning in Puerto Viejo de Limón, involving the entire local community and attracting universities and vehicle manufacturers from around the globe.

The categories of electric vehicles participating in the rally included:

• hybrid vehicles
• fully electric vehicles such as buses and pick-ups among other models
• low-speed vehicles primarily designed for experimental purposes
• electric scooters

This rally marked a milestone in the promotion of electric transportation in Costa Rica, underscoring the country’s innovative capacity in sustainable mobility.