Iceland EV Road Trips Made Easy (2026 Guide)

Electric vehicles have officially evolved from a niche option to one of the most convenient and responsible ways to explore our island. With public chargers now connecting every corner of the country, new Supercharger locations, and EV-friendly routes encircling the Ring Road, your 2026 self-drive holiday is easier—and greener—than ever.

At Höldur Car Rental, the local Europcar franchise in Iceland, we have designed this comprehensive Iceland EV travel guide as a charger-first roadmap. We understand that renting an electric vehicle in a new country can feel daunting. That is why we have compiled practical insights, efficient itineraries, and real-world advice to put your mind at ease.

Whether you are planning a quick 2-day South Coast getaway or a full 10-day Ring Road adventure, this guide will help you maximize range, minimize charging time, and choose the best electric car rental in Iceland for our unique weather and terrain.

Where You Can Charge Today in Iceland (2026 Update)

In 2026, Iceland’s EV charging network connects every major region—including the Westfjords and North Iceland. The grid now boasts hundreds of AC chargers and an expanding network of fast and ultra-fast DC stations.

If you are an EV driver visiting Iceland for the first time, here is exactly what you can expect.

Region	2020 Infrastructure	2026 Infrastructure (Current)
South Coast	2-3 fast chargers (Selfoss/Vík).	High Density: Superchargers every ~80km; N1/ON Power hubs at every major waterfall.
Eastfjords	Sparse: 1-2 slow chargers; 1 fast charger in Egilsstaðir.	Reliable: Multiple Superchargers (Höfn, Egilsstaðir) and 150kW+ units in remote fjords.
North Iceland	Mostly centered in Akureyri, with large gaps between towns.	Robust: High-speed hubs in Blönduós, Varmahlíð, and Akureyri. V4 Superchargers are now common.
West Iceland	1-2 reliable spots (Staðarskáli).	Seamless: Massive hubs at Borgarnes and Staðarskáli, serving as gateways to the Westfjords.

AC Charging (Level 2): Best for Overnight Stops

Think of AC charging as your "while you sleep" solution. You will typically find these units at:

• Hotels & guesthouses
• Campsites
• Town centers
• Supermarkets and swimming pools

Speed & Efficiency:
Most AC units deliver 7–22 kW. This adds roughly 25–60 km of range per hour, depending on your specific rental vehicle. We highly recommend using these for overnight stays or while exploring local attractions like the Blue Lagoon.

DC Fast Charging: Your Road Trip Backbone

DC fast chargers form the essential spine of any Iceland EV road trip. You will find these stations approximately every 70–120 km along the Ring Road and popular sightseeing routes.

Main Providers (2026):

• ON Power: Offers strong nationwide coverage.
• Orka náttúrunnar (ON): Provides industrial-grade fast charging.
• N1 / Olís: Convenient chargers located at fuel stations and service centers.
• Tesla Superchargers: Now open to many non-Tesla EVs across the country.

Charging Speeds:

• Standard: 50 kW
• Ultra-fast: 150–350 kW
• Tesla Superchargers: Up to 250 kW

Adapters & Compatibility

You do not need to worry about bringing cables from home. Höldur’s EV fleet uses standardized European charging formats:

• Type 2 (for AC charging)
• CCS2 (for DC fast charging)

All major networks support plug-and-charge via app or RFID key fobs. 

2026 Charging Price Guide

Costs vary by network and speed. Here is a quick breakdown to help you budget:

Charger Type	Typical Cost (ISK)	Best Use Case
AC / Type 2	55–70 per kWh	Overnight parking
DC Fast Charger	85–120 per kWh	Lunch breaks
Ultra-fast (150+ kW)	120–160 per kWh	"Splash and dash" stops
Tesla Supercharger	80–140 per kWh	High-speed top-ups

 

Pro Tip: Charging at your accommodation overnight is almost always the most cost-efficient way to fuel your journey.

3 Sample EV Itineraries for Iceland (2026)

Below are three real-world routes based on our customers’ most popular journeys. Each itinerary includes charging strategies to keep your trip smooth.

1. South Coast EV Road Trip (2–3 Days)

This route is perfect for travelers with limited time who still want to see Iceland’s "greatest hits," like waterfalls and black sand beaches.

Suggested Vehicle: Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.4, Kia EV3

Day 1: Reykjavík → Vík (190 km)

• Stops: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.
• Charging:
  • ON Power Fast Charger (Hvolsvöllur)
  • N1 Vík (Fast Charging)
• Strategy: Charge to ~80% in Hvolsvöllur while grabbing a coffee. You will arrive in Vík with plenty of range to explore.

Day 2: Vík → Skaftafell → Jökulsárlón (200 km)

• Highlights: Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, Skaftafell hiking, Diamond Beach.
• Charging:
  • ON Power (Kirkjubæjarklaustur)
  • Fast Charger (Skaftafell Visitor Centre)
  • Höfn EV Hub (if extending overnight)

Customer Story: "We were worried about range anxiety on the South Coast, but we actually found ourselves charging too often! The car had plenty of battery, but we kept stopping for photos and snacks anyway." — Sarah & Tom, UK

2. Ring Road EV Adventure (7–10 Days)

The classic Iceland self-drive holiday is now seamlessly supported by accessible fast charging along the entire route.

Suggested Vehicles: Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.4 GTX, Kia EV6

• Day 1: Reykjavík → Snæfellsnes Peninsula (Charge at Borgarnes Supercharger).
• Day 2: Snæfellsnes → Akureyri (Charge at Blönduós DC).
• Day 3–4: Akureyri & North Iceland (Charge at Mývatn ON station).
• Day 5: Egilsstaðir & East fjords (Charge at Egilsstaðir DC Hub).
• Day 6–7: Höfn → South Coast → Reykjavík.

Time-Saving Tip: Most Ring Road drivers only need one DC fast charge per day if they start every morning with a full battery from overnight AC charging.

3. North Iceland EV Getaway (4–5 Days)

Convenient for travelers flying directly into Akureyri Airport. Höldur also operates EV rental fleet here.

Suggested Vehicles: Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.4, Kia EV3, BYD Dolphin

• Day 1: Akureyri → Siglufjörður (Arctic Coast Way).
• Day 2: Siglufjörður →  Húsavík (Whale watching capital).
• Day 3: Húsavík → Mývatn Area (Geothermal wonders).
• Day 4–5: Return to Akureyri via Dettifoss.

Winter Range Management: Wind, Cold & Terrain

EVs behave differently during Icelandic winters. Cold temperatures, fierce wind resistance, and hilly terrain all impact efficiency. However, with a few simple habits, winter EV road trips remain safe and predictable.

How Weather Affects Your Drive

• Cold Batteries: Expect 15–30% more energy usage as the battery works to keep itself warm.
• Headwinds: Iceland’s famous winds can cut range by 10–25% on stormy days.
• Road Conditions: Icy roads often force slower driving speeds, which can actually help conserve battery despite the cold.

Best Practices for Winter Confidence

1. Preheat While Plugged In: Use your rental car’s app to warm the cabin and battery before you unplug. This draws power from the grid, not your battery.
2. Start at 100%: In mid-winter, leaving your hotel with a full battery provides essential peace of mind.
3. Top Up Frequently: Instead of waiting until you hit 10%, aim to charge when you are between 30% and 80%.
4. Use Eco Mode: On long stretches between towns, Eco mode regulates heater use and motor draw to extend range.
5. Check Vegagerðin: Always check live road conditions. Wind speeds over 20 m/s affect all vehicles, regardless of fuel type.

Charging Etiquette in Peak Season

With the rising popularity of electric car rental in Iceland, fast chargers can get busy during summer months. A little courtesy goes a long way.

• The 80% Rule: Move your car once charging reaches 80%. The final 20% takes much longer and blocks the charger for others.
• Queue Fairly: If a station is full, join the physical line or look for a queue marker.
• Don't Unplug Others: Never unplug another vehicle, even if it looks finished.
• Share the Power: At sites with one DC and one AC plug, leave the AC plug free for someone who needs a slow, overnight charge.

How to Choose the Right EV for Iceland

To ensure your safety and comfort, we recommend choosing a vehicle based on your specific route and season.

Small & Efficient (Summer Only)

• Models: BYD Dolphin, Volkswagen ID.3
• Best For: Solo travelers or couples sticking to the Golden Circle and paved South Coast roads.

Mid-Size SUVs (Year-Round Favorites)

• Models: Tesla Model Y Dual-Motor AWD, Kia EV6, Skoda Enyaq, VW ID.4 GTX
• Best For: Families, Ring Road trips, and carrying winter luggage. These offer better ground clearance and stability.

Long-Range Premium EVs

• Models: Kia EV6, Tesla Model Y Dual-Motor AWD Long Range
• Best For: Drivers who prioritize maximum range and fewer stops.

 

The Eco-Friendly Advantage

Choosing an electric vehicle isn't just about saving money on fuel—it preserves the very landscapes you came to see. Iceland’s electricity is generated from 100% renewable hydro and geothermal energy.

By driving an EV, you are exploring our glaciers and fjords with zero tailpipe emissions. Plus, the near-silent engine allows you to appreciate the quiet majesty of Icelandic nature without the rumble of a combustion engine.

Iceland EV Road Trip FAQs (2026 Edition)

Can I drive an electric rental car around the entire Ring Road?

Yes. Every region, including the Eastfjords and North Iceland, now has DC fast charging infrastructure. EVs are fully capable of completing the Ring Road in all seasons with proper planning.

Is an EV cheaper than a gas rental in Iceland?

Often, yes. Charging costs are typically 30–50% lower than petrol or diesel, especially if you utilize lower-cost AC charging at your accommodation overnight.

How long does it take to charge?

• AC (Type 2): 4–8 hours (ideal for sleeping).
• DC (50 kW): 30–60 minutes (ideal for lunch).
• Ultra-fast: 15–25 minutes (ideal for a coffee break).

Are there chargers in remote areas? 

Almost all communities along the Ring Road have at least one fast charger. If you intend to explore the Highlands during the summer, a 4x4 SUV is essential. Electric vehicles are strictly prohibited on Highland routes, commonly known as F-roads.

Do I need to bring my own charging cable?

No. Your Höldur rental comes equipped with the necessary Type 2 cable for AC charging. Fast chargers (DC) have their own tethered cables attached to the station.

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Start Your Iceland EV Journey

Whether you are chasing the Northern Lights in winter or enjoying the Midnight Sun on the Ring Road, an EV rental is a smart, quiet, and eco-friendly way to travel.

Our fleet includes the newest electric models on the market, and our stations across the country—including Reykjavík, Keflavík Airport, and Akureyri—make pickup and drop-off seamless.

Ready to experience Iceland the sustainable way?

Browse Our 2026 EV Fleet & Book Your Trip