Do you want to rent an electric car in Iceland? Driving electric is becoming more popular, and it’s also increasingly important if we want to reduce our footprint. Iceland knows that too, because if you walk around Reykjavik you’ll see loads of electric cars. In 2022, 70% of new cars were electric. In Iceland, they can generate energy very easily, which is why electricity is also cheap. In this blog, I’ll explain the pros and cons of renting an electric car in Iceland.
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You can charge an electric car anywhere in Iceland
If you’re reading this blog, this was probably your first question: what is the charging network like in Iceland? It’s more than fine. You can also see that on the map below from Plugshare (screenshot from 2023). Most chargers outside Reykjavik can be found at hotels.
There are also various gas stations that offer charging points, spread across all of Iceland. You can look for Ísorka charging stations, ON charging stations, or Charge and Drive stations. The ON charging stations are among the most convenient, because you can use the ON app to find station locations near you and check their status.
There are currently 8 Tesla Supercharger stations in Iceland that are specially designed for Tesla vehicles. There are plans to add more.
Fast chargers along the Ring Road No. 1 (Route 1)
Route 1, also known as the Ring Road, is Iceland’s main highway. This road runs all the way around the island and has a total length of about 1,332 kilometers. Route 1 is the lifeline of Iceland’s road network and connects all major towns and sights. It’s also the most popular route for tourists who want to explore the country.
Along this famous loop road, you’ll find over 20 fast chargers that have been added in recent years. That means you can drive around the island with an electric car. In the video below you’ll also see a handy map with fast chargers along Route 1 in Iceland and how it works.
Renting an electric car in Iceland: more expensive to rent, supply is growing
One of the bigger downsides of driving electric in Iceland is that an electric car is more expensive to rent. The price difference quickly adds up to 20 to 30% per day. Electric cars are more expensive to buy, and rental companies pass that cost on. You often do get more luxury in return.
Still, there are also advantages: charging is cheaper than gasoline, the supply is growing at a rapid pace, you get a fantastic driving experience with more premium options on your car, and you lower your footprint during your trip in Iceland. On top of that, the range of electric cars is sufficient for most routes in Iceland.
- Low energy use: Electric cars use far less energy than gasoline or diesel cars. This means you’ll pay less for electricity.
- Cheaper electricity: Electricity in Iceland is much cheaper than in many other countries. That makes renting an electric car in Iceland even more appealing.
- Long range: Most electric cars have a range of more than 400 kilometers. That’s enough for most routes in Iceland.
- Environmentally friendly: Electric cars don’t emit CO2. This helps improve air quality in Iceland.
- Quiet and comfortable: Electric cars are quiet and comfortable. That makes them ideal for exploring Iceland’s stunning nature.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car in Iceland?
In 2023, the prices per charging type at a rate in ISK per kilowatt-hour were as follows:
- Standard charging (AC 22 kW): 25 kr/kWh or 0.5 kr/min.
- Fast charging (DC 50 kW): 50 kr/kWh
- Fast charging (DC 225 kW): 65 kr/kWh
Can I drive an electric car on the F-roads?
No, you can’t drive your electric rental car on the F-roads in Iceland. Even though the F-roads require a 4×4 vehicle and there are plenty of 4×4 electric vehicles, the design of electric vehicles simply isn’t suited to the rough terrain on F-roads.
The batteries of electric vehicles sit underneath the car and are therefore vulnerable to damage from uneven road surfaces. If you drive an electric rental car on such a road and the battery gets damaged, your rental insurance won’t cover it and you’ll have to pay for the damage yourself.
All in all, you can absolutely explore Iceland with an electric car. You do need to do your homework, but there are enough charging points as long as you stick to the Ring Road.
How do you find the best electric car rental company in Iceland?
How do you find the best electric car rental company in Iceland? Here are a few tips:
- Compare different rental companies. There are many different car rental companies in Iceland that rent out electric cars. Compare prices, the selection of cars, and the location of their offices before you decide.
- Look at the charging infrastructure. Make sure you figure out in advance where the chargers are along the route you want to drive. You can find an overview of the charging infrastructure in Iceland on the website of the Icelandic Road Administration or Plugshare.
- Book in time. Especially in peak season, it’s smart to book early. The closer you book to your travel dates, the fewer options you’ll have. Usually, you’ll also pay more.
Well-known providers include:
- Sunny Cars
- Alamo
- Hertz
- Sixt
- Budget
- Green Motion
- Blue Car Rental
Use a comparison site to find a rental car
Why search manually when comparison sites exist? You can try these.
- EasyTerra: EasyTerra is one of the most popular car rental comparison sites. You can compare prices from different rental companies in Iceland, including electric cars.
- Auto Europe: Auto Europe is another popular car rental comparison site. You can compare prices from different rental companies in Iceland, including electric cars.
- Rentalcars.com: Rentalcars.com is a car rental comparison site focused on international destinations. You can compare prices from different rental companies in Iceland, including electric cars.
- Dicover Cars: This includes all well-known companies like Hertz, Enterprise, Europcar, AVIS, Sixt and Alamo. Lots of choice and the best price right away!
Good luck finding the right car, and have an amazing time in Iceland! Also be sure to read my other Iceland blogs, like the one about the Golden Circle or my full 13-day road trip that I did.
