Iceland is a great EV destination — short distances, clean grid, dropping prices — but the charging landscape is fragmented. Seven networks operate, each with its own app or card. Here's the realistic picture for a tourist arriving with a rental EV and no Icelandic SIM.
The seven networks
- Tesla Superchargers — open to all CCS-equipped EVs. 250 kW, contactless via the Tesla app or just plug-and-charge if your car supports it. The most foolproof option for tourists.
- ON Power — Iceland's largest network. AC 22 kW + DC up to 225 kW. Use the ON app or pay via Electroverse / Plugsurfing.
- N1 — fast chargers at petrol stations. 50–400 kW. N1 app or contactless card on newer units.
- InstaVolt — 160 kW CCS, contactless / Apple Pay, no app needed. The most tourist-friendly UX.
- Orkan — Kempower fast chargers up to 600 kW. Card or eONE app.
- Ísorka — DC chargers at Olís stations. Ísorka, Virta, or Plugsurfing app.
- e1 / eONE — community network covering smaller operators in the regions.
Just download these apps
If you only have phone storage for two: ON + Plugsurfing. Between them you can pay at almost every fast charger in the country. Add Tesla if you'll use Superchargers.
Cost
Expect 50–80 ISK per kWh at fast chargers (≈ €0.35–0.55). A typical 60 kWh top-up from 20% to 80% costs around 2,500–3,000 ISK. AC charging at hotels is often free or 10–25 ISK/kWh.
Range realities
Iceland's wind, rain, and elevation will knock 20–30% off your car's WLTP range, especially in winter. If your rental claims 400 km, plan for 280–300 km between charges. The Ring Road has chargers roughly every 70–120 km on the South, North, and West; the East and Westfjords are sparser.
Charging-station planning
Use our full station directory to see what's where. The East Iceland and Westfjords pages are particularly useful — those regions have the lowest charger density.
What can go wrong
- Out-of-service chargers. Mostly fine in Reykjavík; rare but real in remote areas. Always have a plan B within 50 km.
- App registration friction. Some apps want an Icelandic phone number. Plugsurfing accepts international numbers and is the safest fallback.
- Connector mismatch. Most rentals are CCS, but a few older Leafs use CHAdeMO. Check what you're picking up before booking.
For a deeper technical dive, see the full EV charging guide.