Iceland EV Travel: Two-Week Itinerary

Electric vehicle travel in Iceland has transformed from experimental to entirely practical within the past five years. With over 300 charging stations across the country and a charging network that reaches every corner of the island, Iceland now offers one of Europe's most comprehensive EV infrastructure systems. This two-week itinerary maximises your electric vehicle's capabilities while ensuring you never find yourself stranded between charging points.

Week One: The Classic Ring Road Circuit

Days 1-2: Reykjavík and the Reykjanes Peninsula

Begin your journey in Reykjavík, where multiple fast-charging stations operate 24/7. The largest facility sits at Smáralind shopping centre, offering 150kW charging that will top up most EVs in 30-45 minutes. From here, the Reykjanes Peninsula provides an ideal EV shakedown cruise.

Drive the 47km to the Blue Lagoon, where Tesla Superchargers and universal CCS charging stations sit conveniently in the car park. The geothermal facility's own renewable energy powers these chargers—a fitting introduction to Iceland's commitment to sustainable transport. Continue to Reykjanesviti lighthouse (15km further) and the dramatic cliffs at Krýsuvíkurbjarg, returning via the same route. Total distance: 124km—well within any modern EV's range.

Days 3-4: South Coast to Vík

The stretch from Reykjavík to Vík covers 187km of Iceland's most photographed landscapes. Critical charging stops include Hella (110km from Reykjavík) and Vík itself, both equipped with 50kW rapid chargers. At Hella, the N1 station provides reliable CCS and CHAdeMO connections whilst you grab lunch.

Between these charging points, visit Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls—the latter requires a 2km detour from Route 1 but adds minimal range anxiety to your journey. Reynisfjara black sand beach sits just 4km from Vík's charging station, making it an effortless stop before your overnight charge.

Days 5-6: Vík to Höfn via Jökulsárlón

This 204km stretch represents the longest distance between fast-charging stations on Ring Road, but poses no problems for vehicles with 300km+ range. The route passes through Skaftafell National Park, where hiking to Svartifoss waterfall (3.4km return) provides an excellent break whilst consuming no battery power.

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon lies 196km from Vík, with Höfn's charging station just 8km beyond. The dramatic scenery—including Fjallsárlón lagoon and countless glacier tongues descending from Vatnajökull—makes this drive Iceland's most spectacular EV journey.

Days 7-8: East Fjords Exploration

Höfn to Egilsstaðir covers 267km through Iceland's most remote eastern fjords. However, intermediate charging exists at Djúpivogur (103km from Höfn) and Reyðarfjörður (71km from Djúpivogur). The Alcoa aluminium smelter at Reyðarfjörður ironically provides some of Iceland's most reliable fast-charging infrastructure, powered entirely by renewable hydroelectric energy.

This section rewards patient EV drivers with empty roads, dramatic coastal scenery, and virtually no crowds. The fishing village of Stöðvarfjörður (population 203) offers one of Iceland's most intimate overnight experiences.

Week Two: Northern Adventures and Highland Access

Days 8-10: Egilsstaðir to Lake Mývatn

The 167km journey north passes through Möðrudalur, Iceland's highest farm at 469m elevation. Cold temperatures at altitude can reduce EV range by 10-15%, so charge fully at Egilsstaðir before departure. Akureyri, Iceland's northern capital, provides multiple charging options including Iceland's first ultra-rapid 350kW charger at N1 Glerártorg.

Lake Mývatn sits 55km east of Akureyri, with charging available at Reykjahlíð village. The geothermal area around Mývatn—including Námafjall geothermal area, Grjótagjá cave, and Dimmuborgir lava formations—lies within 15km of the charging station, making this an ideal EV base for two days of exploration.

Days 11-12: Westfjords Peninsula (Partial)

From Akureyri, a 367km drive reaches Ísafjörður, the Westfjords' largest town. This journey requires careful planning: charge at Blönduós (107km from Akureyri), then at Hólmavík (127km further) before the final 133km push to Ísafjörður.

The Westfjords' dramatic scenery—towering cliffs, pristine fjords, and virtually no tourists—rewards dedicated EV drivers willing to plan their routes carefully. Return via the same route or consider the adventurous Kaldidalur highland route (summer only).

Days 13-14: Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Return

Complete your circuit via the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called "Iceland in miniature." Stykkishólmur provides fast charging 172km from Akureyri, whilst Borgarnes offers another charging stop 59km from Reykjavík.

Snæfellsjökull National Park showcases Iceland's geological diversity within EV range of multiple charging stations. Kirkjufell mountain and the coastal cliffs at Arnarstapi provide dramatic photography opportunities without range anxiety.

Practical EV Considerations

Charging Network and Costs

Iceland's charging network operates primarily through ON Power and Orka náttúrunnar, with Tesla Superchargers supplementing coverage. Expect to pay 50-70 ISK per kWh (€0.35-0.49) at fast-charging stations. Most locations accept international payment cards, though downloading the charging network apps proves convenient for route planning.

Winter Considerations

Winter EV travel requires additional planning. Reduced daylight, cold temperatures affecting battery performance, and occasional road closures demand flexible itineraries. However, Iceland's charging infrastructure operates year-round, and many stations provide heated parking areas whilst vehicles charge.

Vehicle Recommendations

Vehicles with 300km+ real-world range handle Iceland's distances comfortably. The Reykjavík area offers rental EVs from major international companies, with Tesla Model 3, Volkswagen ID.4, and BMW iX3 among popular options. Book well in advance during summer months (June-August).

Iceland's commitment to renewable energy makes EV travel here genuinely sustainable—your vehicle runs on geothermal and hydroelectric power throughout the journey. Combined with comprehensive charging infrastructure and stunning scenery accessible from every charging station, electric vehicle travel now represents the future of sustainable Iceland exploration.

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