A few years ago, driving an electric vehicle across Iceland required careful planning. Today, the drive from Reykjavík to Hali on the southeast coast is straightforward. The charging infrastructure along the south coast of Iceland has expanded rapidly, and modern electric vehicles can comfortably reach our cozy guesthouse with multiple charging options available throughout the journey. Actually more charging stations than gas stations.
The drive from Reykjavík to Hali is through the South Coast of Iceland and is approximately 380 kilometers. Many of the most beautiful attractions in Iceland will be found driving the South Coast. Waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss, Skútafoss, Skógarfoss, Kvernufoss and Svartifoss are close to Road nr 1. Canyons and small gurges such as Fjaðurárgljúfur, Dverghamrar and Múlagljúfur and recommended places to stop and walk around Black Sand Beach in Vík, Skaftafell, Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón are all very close by Road nr 1.
Most newer electric vehicles rented in Iceland have a real-world range that easily covers large sections of this route, even during colder months. For travelers who prefer extra peace of mind, charging stations are available at regular intervals along the South Coast. To get a good overview of the charging stations we recommend using the map on the official Icelandic Automobile Association, see here. There you will find all available stations listed in Iceland, and very informative information for each station, f.e ratings from other users, what kind of ports they have, address, cost, how to pay and other useful information. In some of the charging stations in Iceland you will need to pay with specific apps you can find on App stores and some of them you can pay with a credit card directly. Some of them will also require you to have a cable so ask for a cable when renting your electric car in Iceland.
Below you will find most common web pages for apps you need to download for your eco friendly and electrical journey in Iceland.
www.isorka.is (needs an app)
www.on.is
www.n1.is
www.orkan.is
www.instavolt.is (Can pay with a card on location)
As mentioned above most visitors driving the south coast stop at waterfalls, black sand beaches, glacier viewpoints, cafés, and fuel stations along the way. Charging often fits naturally into these breaks.
One of Iceland’s great advantages is its access to clean, renewable energy. Almost all electricity produced in Iceland comes from hydropower and geothermal energy, using the country’s rivers, waterfalls and volcanic activity to generate power. This makes electricity a natural and sustainable part of everyday life in Iceland.
For visitors travelling by electric car, this can also be good news for your travel budget. Charging an electric car is generally less expensive than filling a car with petrol or diesel, so choosing electric can help you save money along the way. And since the electricity is generated almost entirely from renewable sources, driving electric in Iceland means you can explore the country while making use of some of its most valuable natural resources.
Travelers can find fast chargers at several locations along Route 1:
Both ON Power and Ísorka operate extensive charging networks throughout Iceland, with stations located along the entire South Coast route. Iceland’s Ring Road now has charging coverage at frequent intervals, making long-distance EV travel practical for most visitors.
Many travelers choose to stop in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur for lunch while adding extra range to their vehicle. Fast chargers are available in both towns. Ísorka also operates high-power chargers in Selfoss, Hella, Vík, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, and Höfn.
Winter temperatures, strong winds, and snow-covered roads can reduce driving range. Most rental companies recommend planning for 20 to 30 percent less range than the official vehicle rating during winter conditions. We recommend renting a 4wd electrical car when driving in Iceland during winter months and make sure to make space for extra travelling time when planning your travel during the winter.
Fortunately, the distance between charging stations on the South Coast is short enough that winter travel remains practical in most electric vehicles. Drivers simply need to avoid arriving at chargers with a nearly empty battery and should take advantage of charging opportunities during meal stops or sightseeing breaks.
Hali sits just east of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. For travelers exploring the glacier region, it makes an excellent base. Rather than making a long day trip from Reykjavík, staying in Southeast Iceland allows more time for hiking, photography, glacier activities, and ice cave tours during winter. There is a charging station in Hali.
Guests staying at Skyrhúsið can use the guest kitchen to prepare meals, reducing travel costs while exploring the region. For those joining glacier hikes, ice cave tours or workshops with Glacier Adventure, staying locally also eliminates several hours of driving on the day of the tour. You can easily stay with us for 5 – 7 days, f.e if you check out free recommendations of few of our favorite places to visit in the sout east region.
One of the biggest misconceptions about Iceland is that electric vehicles are only practical around Reykjavík. The route to Hali proves otherwise. With charging stations available throughout the South Coast and additional fast chargers in major towns, reaching Southeast Iceland is straightforward in almost any modern EV.
Travelers planning a South Coast road trip can stay at Skyrhúsið near Jökulsárlón and explore the glacier region without worrying about charging availability along the way.
Learn more here
