Electric Car Rental in Iceland: FAQ and Charging Guide
Where to Find Charging Stations in Iceland
One of the most common questions from travelers renting an electric vehicle (EV) in Iceland is: "Where can I charge my car?" The good news is that Iceland offers a well-developed EV charging network, especially in and around Reykjavik, along the Ring Road, and near major towns and attractions. Charging stations are easy to find in most populated areas and are generally reliable for road trips.
Types of Charging Stations in Iceland
There are three main types of charging stations:
Tesla Superchargers
These are available in a few key locations around Iceland and are only compatible with Tesla vehicles. You can find them using Tesla’s Supercharger map.
High-Power Charging (DC fast charging)
These stations can charge most electric vehicles to 80 percent in about 25 to 40 minutes. They are located along main travel routes and at popular stops.
Standard EV Charging (AC charging)
Standard chargers are slower, taking 4 to 8 hours for a full charge. These are ideal for overnight stops at hotels, guesthouses, or campsites.
How to Pay for EV Charging in Iceland
Most public charging stations in Iceland operate through mobile apps. You won’t typically pay directly with a card at the station.
ON App
ON offers quick-charge stations and 22kW stations throughout Iceland. You can find details and a map for charging in the ON app, available on Google Play or the App Store
Provides access to a wide range of charging stations, particularly in the Reykjavik area and along main travel routes. Charging sessions are managed through the app, where you can pay securely with a credit card.
You can choose from the Nissan Leaf, MG4, Renault Megane, and Nissan Ariya. All are automatic, seat five people, and have winter tires fitted during the cold season.
If you're planning to drive in winter or venture outside the city, we recommend the Nissan Ariya. It has all-wheel drive and more ground clearance, which makes it a better fit for snowy or icy roads.
Yes. All electric vehicles come equipped with studded winter tires from November to mid-April.
Ranges vary by model and weather, but in winter you can expect:
Nissan Leaf: 160–220 km.
MG 4: 250–300 km.
Renault Megane: 300–350 km.
Nissan Ariya: up to 400 km.
Cold temperatures may reduce range, so plan extra charging stops.
Most of our EVs include seat heaters, and some have heated steering wheels. You’ll see these features listed on the individual car page.
Rental Policies & Procedures
Vehicles are provided with at least a 70% charge.
Yes, we request that vehicles be returned with at least a 70% charge to ensure readiness for the next customer.
Returning the vehicle with less than the required charge may incur a fee to cover charging costs.
No, our EV rentals include all standard fees. Any additional charges would be related to optional services or penalties.
Driving Tips & Best Practices
Utilize charging apps to map out charging stations along your route, and always have a backup plan in case a station is occupied or out of service.
Drive at moderate speeds, use regenerative braking, and minimize the use of energy-intensive features like heating.
Many hotels and guesthouses offer EV charging facilities.It's advisable to inquire and reserve in advance.
PlugShare, ON Power, and Ísorka are popular apps for locating charging stations and managing payments.
Yes, definitely. All Go Car Rental vehicles are fitted with proper winter tires during the colder months, so you're good to go. Just keep in mind that cold temperatures can reduce battery range, so we recommend planning shorter driving days and topping up the charge more often.
EVs are perfect for paved roads, including the Ring Road and Golden Circle. However, if you plan to drive on F-roads (mountain roads), you'll need a 4x4 electric vehicle, and only when those roads are officially open in summer. Most EVs in Iceland are not suited for highland driving due to their clearance, traction needs, and limited charging availability in remote areas.
