Iceland's EV Charging Network: A Complete Driver's Guide

Iceland's EV Revolution and the Charging Infrastructure Behind It

Iceland has one of the highest rates of electric vehicle adoption per capita in the world. As of 2024, EVs account for over 50% of new car registrations — a remarkable figure driven by generous purchase subsidies, low electricity prices, and strong environmental awareness among the Icelandic population. But driving an EV in Iceland means understanding a charging infrastructure that, while growing rapidly, still requires more planning than the equivalent journey in Western Europe.

This guide covers every major charging network, key charging locations, practical costs, and everything you need to know to drive electric across Iceland with confidence.

The Main Charging Networks in Iceland

Orka Náttúrunnar (ON Power)

Orka Náttúrunnar, operated by the company ON Power (Orkuveita Reykjavíkur), is Iceland's largest and most established EV charging network. ON Power operates both AC slow chargers and DC fast chargers at strategic locations across Iceland, including along the Ring Road. Their network is accessible via the ON Power app or RFID card, and they have partnerships with several pan-European charging networks through roaming agreements.

ON Power chargers are generally reliable and well-maintained, with customer service available in Icelandic and English. Their fast chargers typically deliver 50–150 kW DC, capable of adding 100–200 km of range in 20–40 minutes depending on vehicle compatibility.

Ísorka

Ísorka operates a growing network of chargers, particularly strong in the greater Reykjavík area and on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Their chargers are frequently found at petrol stations, shopping centres, and public parking facilities. Ísorka uses a simple QR-code activation system that requires no prior registration for occasional users, making it convenient for visitors.

Charge365

Charge365 focuses on fast charging along major travel corridors and is expanding aggressively. They have positioned chargers at popular stopping points such as N1 petrol stations, making their infrastructure easily visible and accessible to drivers who are not planning meticulously in advance.

HS Orka

HS Orka, the geothermal energy company based at Svartsengi on the Reykjanes Peninsula, operates chargers primarily in the southwest Iceland area. Their chargers are often found near the Blue Lagoon and Keflavík International Airport — useful for arriving and departing passengers with rental EVs.

Key Fast Charger Locations Along the Ring Road

For drivers completing the Ring Road in an EV, planning charging stops is essential. These are the key locations with reliable fast charging as of 2025:

• Selfoss: Multiple chargers from ON Power and Ísorka — the first major stop east of Reykjavík on Route 1.
• Vík í Mýrdal: DC fast chargers available. Critical stop for the long stretch to Höfn.
• Höfn í Hornafirði: Essential charging point in the East. The section from Vík to Höfn (approximately 270 km) requires careful range management, especially in winter when cold weather reduces battery capacity.
• Egilsstaðir: The main service hub of East Iceland. Multiple charger options.
• Akureyri: Iceland's second city has comprehensive charging infrastructure including 150 kW fast chargers.
• Blönduós: An important mid-point on the long northern stretch between Akureyri and the capital region.
• Ísafjörður: If you venture to the Westfjords, charging is available, but the network is thinner — plan carefully and carry the Plugshare app to locate chargers beyond the main towns.

Finding Chargers: The Plugshare App

For real-time charger availability, user check-ins, and community reviews, Plugshare is the most comprehensive tool for Icelandic EV drivers. The app aggregates charging locations from all major networks and shows real-time availability where supported. User comments on specific chargers — including whether a charger is currently working, how fast it charges specific car models, and whether the location has amenities — are invaluable when planning longer trips.

Charging Costs in Iceland

Iceland's electricity is among the cheapest in Europe thanks to abundant geothermal and hydroelectric power. EV charging costs reflect this:

• Public fast chargers (DC): Approximately 45–65 ISK per kWh depending on network and charger speed.
• AC slow chargers (public): Often 30–45 ISK per kWh, sometimes time-based pricing at slower chargers.
• Home charging: Residential electricity in Iceland costs approximately 12–18 ISK per kWh, making home charging dramatically cheaper than public charging. Overnight charging at home is the standard practice for most Icelandic EV owners.

Home Charging Installation

Setting up home charging in Iceland typically involves installing a Type 2 wallbox (11 kW is the common residential choice). Installation costs vary by property type and electrical panel capacity:

• Standard installation (panel upgrade not required): approximately 25,000–45,000 ISK
• Installation requiring electrical panel upgrade: approximately 50,000–100,000 ISK

Installation must be performed by a licensed electrician registered with Samorka (the Icelandic Energy and Utilities Association). Several companies in Iceland specialize in EV charger installation, including Voltus and Frumherji.

Cold Weather Range Reduction: What to Expect

This is the aspect of EV ownership in Iceland that catches newcomers most off guard. At temperatures between -5°C and -15°C — common in Iceland from November through March — EV battery range is reduced by approximately 20–35% compared to rated WLTP figures. The reduction is caused by two factors:

• The battery itself delivers less energy at cold temperatures (the chemistry is less efficient)
• The cabin heating system draws significantly from the battery

Planning your Ring Road journey in winter? Add at least a 30% buffer to your range calculations and never let the battery drop below 15–20% in remote sections between Vík and Höfn.

Most Popular EVs in Iceland

The Icelandic EV market has its own character. These are the models most commonly seen on Icelandic roads in 2025:

• Tesla Model 3 and Model Y: The most popular EVs overall, trusted for their charging network (Supercharger network has good coverage in Iceland), range, and performance.
• Volvo XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge: Popular for their Scandinavian ruggedness and practical SUV form factor suited to Icelandic conditions.
• Toyota bZ4X: Growing in popularity, particularly among drivers who trust the Toyota reliability reputation for Iceland's demanding conditions.
• Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6: Excellent ultra-fast charging capability (up to 800V architecture) makes charging stops significantly shorter.

Note for highland driving: No current production EV is approved for Icelandic F-roads, which require modified 4x4 vehicles with raised suspension and snorkel intake in some cases. EVs are for paved and gravel roads — leave the highland tracks to the Defenders and Land Cruisers.