Iceland is a good place to drive an EV. Distances are short, the grid is clean and prices are coming down. The catch is that charging is split across seven networks, each with its own app or card. This is how it works 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, pay in the Tesla app, or plug and charge if your car supports it. The easiest option for tourists.
- ON Power: Iceland's largest network. AC 22 kW and 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 the newer units.
- InstaVolt: 160 kW CCS, contactless / Apple Pay, no app needed. The simplest to use if you're just passing through.
- 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: a community network covering smaller operators in the regions.
Just download these apps
If you only have room for two: ON and 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
Wind, rain and hills will take 20–30% off your car's WLTP range, more in winter. If your rental claims 400 km, plan for 280–300 km between charges. On the South, North and West, the Ring Road has chargers roughly every 70–120 km. The East and the Westfjords have fewer.
Charging-station planning
Use our full station directory to see what's where. The East Iceland and Westfjords pages are the ones to check, since those regions have the fewest chargers.
What can go wrong
- Out-of-service chargers. Rarely a problem in Reykjavík. In remote areas it's uncommon but it happens, so always have a plan B within 50 km.
- App sign-up hassle. Some apps want an Icelandic phone number. Plugsurfing accepts foreign numbers and is the safest fallback.
- Wrong connector. Most rentals are CCS, but a few older Leafs use CHAdeMO. Check what you're getting before you book.
For the technical detail, see the full EV charging guide.