The Costa Rican government will slash taxes by half on hybrid vehicles, electric cars, and some motorcycles that enter the country.  Fortunately, the measure is to take effect by decree, so does not need to go to the assembly for debate.  The Finance Ministry has the decree, cutting the tax from 30% to 15%, but does not know when it will take effect since it must be published by the Executive Branch.

The Toyota Prius is the only hybrid car sold here currently, and the tax cut will slash 2.7 million Colones from the current price tag of 18 million.  ($36,600)  The car has a suggested price of $21,725 in the US. The importers of used cars oppose the measure, calling it discriminatory.