Exploring Iceland by electric car is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the country’s dramatic landscapes—quiet, clean, and surprisingly convenient. While Iceland is still building out its EV infrastructure, planning ahead makes it easy to find charging stations along your route, especially in West Iceland and the Westfjords.
Iceland’s main EV charging networks include ON, Orka náttúrunnar, Ísorka, and N1. Most of their stations are located along the Ring Road and in larger towns, and many can be found through apps like PlugShare or the providers’ own maps. Before you set off, it’s wise to download these apps, create an account, and check which plugs your rental car uses (most EVs in Iceland use Type 2 and CCS).
West Iceland is particularly EV‑friendly, with a growing number of chargers in and around Borgarnes, Stykkishólmur, and Ísafjörður. This makes it easy to combine a road trip with comfortable overnight stays at properties that understand the needs of electric vehicle drivers—like Ourhotels.is.
Ourhotels.is is a small, locally rooted chain in West Iceland that focuses on simple comfort, good locations, and easy access to nature. While availability of on‑site charging can vary, the hotels are all close to public charging stations and staff are happy to help you locate the nearest options and plan your charging stops.
If you’re driving north from Reykjavík, Borgarfjörður is often your first real taste of rural Iceland. Staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (close to Borgarnes) puts you within reach of several charging points in and around Borgarnes, a key hub on the Ring Road. From here, you can explore the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, the Deildartunguhver hot spring, and the historic Reykholt area, knowing you can top up your battery nearby before continuing north or west.
For those heading onto the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Stykkishólmur is a charming base with a picturesque harbor and good EV charging access. The Stykkishólmur Inn, part of Ourhotels.is, is conveniently located for drivers who want to explore the peninsula’s black beaches, lava fields, and the Snæfellsjökull National Park. Public chargers in town and along the main roads make it straightforward to keep your EV charged while you enjoy boat tours, hot pots, and coastal walks.
Further north, Ísafjörður is the gateway to the Westfjords, one of Iceland’s most remote and spectacular regions. Here, planning your charging stops is especially important, as distances between towns can be longer and chargers less frequent. Ísafjörður Inn offers a comfortable base with easy access to local services, including EV charging in town. From Ísafjörður, you can explore dramatic fjords, remote beaches, and bird cliffs, returning each evening to recharge both your car and yourself.
To make EV travel in Iceland smoother, consider these tips:
– Plan your route around known charging locations and check their status in advance.
– Allow extra time in your schedule for charging stops, especially in remote areas.
– Keep an eye on your range when crossing long stretches between towns.
– Ask your accommodation, like the team at Ourhotels.is, for up‑to‑date local advice on nearby chargers.
With a bit of preparation, driving an electric car in Iceland is not only possible but deeply rewarding. By combining smart route planning with well‑located stays at places like Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, The Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, you can enjoy a low‑emission Icelandic road trip that’s comfortable, scenic, and sustainable from start to finish.
