Iceland is a land where nature takes centre stage. From roaring waterfalls and vast lava fields to geothermal lagoons and glacier-capped volcanoes, the landscape calls for exploration by car. At the same time, growing awareness of climate change has inspired travellers to seek greener ways to experience this extraordinary island. Fortunately, Iceland is ideal for eco-friendly road trips. Its renewable energy grid powers electric vehicles, a growing network of charging stations makes recharging simple, and hybrid cars are widely available.
Travelling this way allows you to see the country’s wonders while leaving a smaller environmental footprint. By focusing on sustainable driving options, route planning, and reliable charging stations, you can enjoy Iceland responsibly. Let’s look at how to make your self-drive journey eco-conscious, and why renting a car with Final Rentals makes it easy to travel green.
Iceland’s landscape is delicate. While it may appear rugged and wild, the soil and vegetation are fragile, and the weather patterns can make environmental damage long-lasting. Iceland is powered almost entirely by renewable energy, with geothermal and hydroelectric sources generating the electricity that lights homes, runs businesses, and powers electric vehicles.
Iceland is powered almost entirely by renewable energy, with geothermal and hydroelectric sources generating the electricity that lights homes, runs businesses, and powers electric vehicles. As a result, an electric vehicle driven in Iceland is powered by clean energy. Unlike in many other countries, where the electricity grid still depends heavily on fossil fuels, Iceland allows you to enjoy nearly emission-free road trips.
Over the past few years, Iceland’s car hire industry has embraced the demand for more sustainable vehicles. Rental fleets now commonly include a range of electric and hybrid cars, offering travellers options that balance efficiency, comfort, and flexibility. These vehicles are not only greener but also modern, comfortable, and surprisingly fun to drive.
Electric cars provide smooth acceleration and quiet rides, which makes those long scenic drives around the Ring Road even more relaxing. For travellers exploring less remote regions, such as the Golden Circle or the South Coast, electric cars can cover each day’s journey comfortably before needing a recharge.
One of the biggest questions travellers ask is whether there are enough charging points, and the answer is a reassuring yes, as Iceland has invested heavily in its EV infrastructure, making long-distance travel straightforward and worry-free. Rapid charging stations can be found along the Ring Road, often spaced around 50 to 80 kilometres apart. These stations are located in convenient places like fuel stops, cafés, and service centres, so you can take a break, grab a coffee, or explore a small town while your car charges.
In urban areas like Reykjavík and Akureyri, as well as popular tourist towns like Vik or Egilsstaðir, you’ll find plenty of public chargers. Many hotels and guesthouses have also added overnight charging facilities for guests. Planning is still essential, particularly if you’re heading into less populated areas, but digital tools and online resources make it easy to map out your charging stops ahead of time.
Planning a road trip in Iceland with an eco-friendly car lets you enjoy the country’s stunning landscapes while reducing your environmental impact. Electric and hybrid vehicles handle Iceland’s popular routes smoothly, making scenic drives both easy and sustainable.
Driving an electric or hybrid car in Iceland can be straightforward if you follow a few practical tips. Begin each day with a full charge, especially if your accommodation offers overnight charging facilities. Plan your route carefully and identify charging stations along the way, but remain flexible, as you may want to take unplanned detours to visit hidden waterfalls or scenic coastal viewpoints.
It’s also important to keep in mind that cold weather can reduce battery range, particularly during the winter months. To avoid stress, allow extra time for travel and monitor your car’s charge closely. In contrast, summer conditions are ideal for covering longer distances with fewer charging stops, making it easier to enjoy Iceland’s stunning landscapes without interruptions.
Rent a car with Final Rentals to travel around Iceland with ease and flexibility. Our service offers a variety of vehicles suited to different routes and travel preferences, including eco-friendly options for sustainable journeys.
For more tips on planning your Iceland road trip, check out What You Need to Know Before Hitting the Road in Iceland for detailed guidance.
One of the pleasant surprises of eco-friendly driving in Iceland is the potential for savings. While electric or hybrid cars may sometimes cost slightly more to rent than standard petrol vehicles, the reduced cost of charging can quickly make up the difference. Charging an electric car is much cheaper than filling a petrol tank, particularly since many public chargers are located at reasonable rates and some hotels offer free overnight charging for guests.
On a longer road trip, these savings can add up, leaving you with more money to spend on experiences like guided hikes, boat tours, or local cuisine. Planning your accommodation and charging stops carefully also ensures you make the most of your budget without unnecessary detours or extra costs.
Eco-friendly travel is not only about the car you drive but also about how you interact with the environment. Stay on marked roads and trails to avoid damaging fragile soil and vegetation. Never drive off-road, as it can take decades for the land to recover from tyre tracks.
Take your litter with you, use refillable bottles to reduce plastic waste, and support local businesses that promote sustainable practices. Many farm shops, cafés, and guesthouses are run by families who are committed to preserving Iceland’s natural beauty, and your support helps them continue their work.
Travelling across Iceland by car offers an unmatched way to take in its vast and varied landscapes. Choosing an electric or hybrid vehicle allows you to explore the island’s natural wonders while reducing your environmental impact. Thanks to Iceland’s renewable energy grid and expanding network of charging stations, sustainable travel has never been easier or more enjoyable.
Whether your trip is a short visit to Reykjavík and the Golden Circle or a journey around the Ring Road, eco-friendly driving makes your adventure both memorable and responsible. When you’re ready to rent a car in Iceland with Final Rentals, you gain a reliable partner that makes green travel convenient. Your road trip can be about more than just seeing the sights. It can be a journey in harmony with the landscape, preserving it for future generations while enjoying every kilometre.
