Driving Iceland in an Electric Vehicle: The Complete Guide

Iceland has emerged as one of Europe's most EV-friendly destinations, with renewable energy powering nearly 100% of the country's electrical grid. This makes driving an electric vehicle around the island both environmentally sensible and increasingly practical. However, Iceland's challenging weather conditions, remote locations, and unique infrastructure require careful planning for EV travellers.

The State of EV Infrastructure in Iceland

Iceland's charging network has expanded rapidly since 2020, primarily through the efforts of ON Power (Orkuveitan) and Ísorka. As of 2024, the Ring Road (Route 1) features charging stations every 60-80 kilometres, making a complete circumnavigation possible in most modern EVs.

The capital region offers the densest charging network, with over 150 public charging points in Reykjavík and surrounding areas. Fast DC charging stations (50kW+) are located at key intervals along major routes, while AC charging (11-22kW) is available at hotels, shopping centres, and municipal car parks throughout the country.

Charging costs typically range from 45-65 ISK per kWh (€0.30-0.43), making it roughly 60% cheaper than petrol equivalent journeys. Most charging stations accept international payment cards, though downloading the Ísorka app or ON Power app is recommended for seamless payment processing.

Range Considerations and Route Planning

Iceland's weather significantly impacts EV range. Winter temperatures regularly drop below -10°C, reducing battery efficiency by 20-40%. Factor in heated seats, cabin heating, and challenging road conditions, and your effective range may be half the manufacturer's stated figure during December through March.

The longest stretch between charging stations on the Ring Road is the 78-kilometre section between Höfn and Djúpivogur in the southeast. However, the most challenging segment for EVs is the 185-kilometre journey from Egilsstaðir to Akureyri via Route 1, which crosses the Öxi Pass at 552 metres elevation. Plan for reduced efficiency on this mountainous section.

For the complete Ring Road circuit (1,332 kilometres), budget for 12-15 charging stops depending on your vehicle's range and weather conditions. A Tesla Model 3 or similar long-range EV can manage the route comfortably, while shorter-range vehicles may require more careful planning.

Seasonal Driving Considerations

Summer (June-August)

Summer offers optimal EV driving conditions with 18+ hours of daylight and mild temperatures rarely dropping below 5°C. Most charging stations remain accessible, and range anxiety becomes minimal with near-normal battery performance. This is the ideal season for EV exploration of remote areas like the Westfjords.

Winter (December-February)

Winter EV driving demands preparation. Beyond reduced range, snow and ice make some charging stations temporarily inaccessible. The Highland routes (F-roads) close entirely, concentrating all traffic onto the Ring Road. Always travel with emergency supplies, warm clothing, and ensure your EV's winter tyres meet Icelandic standards (minimum 3mm tread depth).

Shoulder Seasons

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) present variable conditions. Weather can change rapidly, and some remote charging stations may experience maintenance issues. Check road conditions on road.is before departure.

Charging Station Locations and Types

Reykjavík Capital Area

The capital region hosts Iceland's densest charging network. Key locations include Kringlan Shopping Centre (8 fast chargers), Smáralind Mall (12 chargers), and Reykjavík Airport (6 chargers). Most hotels now offer destination charging, typically 11kW AC units.

Ring Road Charging Network

Critical charging hubs include:

- **Borgarnes**: ON Power station with 4 x 50kW CCS/CHAdeMO chargers

- **Akureyri**: Multiple locations including Glerártorg (6 x 50kW chargers)

- **Egilsstaðir**: Kaupvangur shopping area (4 x 50kW chargers)

- **Höfn**: N1 petrol station (2 x 50kW chargers)

- **Vík**: N1 station (2 x 50kW chargers)

Remote Area Coverage

The Westfjords now feature charging stations in Ísafjörður, Patreksfjörður, and Stykkishólmur, making this spectacular region accessible to EV drivers. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula offers charging in Grundarfjörður and Hellnar.

Vehicle Rental and Availability

Several rental companies now offer electric vehicles, though availability remains limited compared to conventional cars. Hertz Iceland provides Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles from approximately 25,000 ISK per day (€165). SIXT offers BMW iX3 and similar models at comparable rates.

Book EV rentals well in advance, particularly for summer travel. Rental agreements typically include unlimited mileage but specify charging costs as the driver's responsibility. Most rental EVs come equipped with Type 2 charging cables and CCS fast-charging capability.

Practical Charging Tips

Download essential apps before arrival: Ísorka covers the largest network, while ON Power manages many Ring Road stations. The PlugShare app provides real-time availability and user reviews.

Charging etiquette matters in Iceland's small communities. Don't occupy charging bays longer than necessary, and avoid leaving non-charging vehicles in EV spaces. Many stations automatically stop charging when your session completes.

Winter charging takes significantly longer due to cold batteries. Allow extra time and consider warming your vehicle while still plugged in to preserve range for your next journey.

Highland and F-Road Limitations

Iceland's Highland interior remains largely inaccessible to electric vehicles. The F-roads lack charging infrastructure entirely, and the combination of river crossings, rough terrain, and remote locations make EVs unsuitable for Highland exploration. Stick to the Ring Road and established coastal routes for EV travel.

Environmental Impact

Driving electric in Iceland offers exceptional environmental benefits. The country's electricity comes almost entirely from geothermal and hydroelectric sources, making EVs truly zero-emission transport. Iceland's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2040 makes EV adoption part of the broader sustainability narrative that attracts many visitors.

The growing EV infrastructure demonstrates Iceland's practical approach to sustainable tourism, allowing visitors to explore this pristine landscape without contributing to local air pollution or carbon emissions.

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