Renting an Electric SUV Can Save You Hundreds

Driving around Iceland is one of the best ways to explore glaciers, waterfalls, black-sand beaches, volcanic deserts and coastal villages. But fuel prices in Iceland are quite high, and many travelers underestimate how much petrol they will use on a typical week-long road trip.

Electric vehicles have become one of the smartest ways to reduce travel costs while enjoying a smoother and more environmentally friendly driving experience.

Saga Car Rental offers electric vehicles that come with a special charging key from E-One that gives access to multiple charging networks around Iceland at zero cost. This, combined with Iceland’s 100% renewable electricity from geothermal and hydropower, makes driving electric both economical and sustainable.

This guide explains how much travelers can save, compares two similar SUVs:  the fully electric Peugeot E-5008 and the petrol Ford Kuga, and highlights the advantages of choosing an electric vehicle during your Iceland adventure.

A typical one-week itinerary in Iceland includes around 1,750 km of driving.

Fuel Price in Iceland (as of November 2025)

• Petrol: ~280 ISK per litre
• 1 EUR ≈ 150 ISK

Ford Kuga (Petrol SUV) – Fuel Cost for 1,750 km

Realistic consumption for a Ford Kuga in Icelandic conditions:

• 7.0–8.0 L per 100 km

Fuel required:

• 122.5–140 L

Cost:

• 229–261 EUR

Wind, cold weather, heavy luggage and mountain roads often increase consumption even further.

• Charging cost with Saga’s E-one key: 0 ISK
• No apps, no credit cards, no charging fees
• Powered entirely by geothermal and hydropower

Choosing the E-5008 instead of a similar petrol SUV saves travelers approximately:

180–260 EUR on energy costs alone. Of course, the savings are higher when we look at the large SUVs and compare the electric Volvo EX90 and, say, Ford Bronco Wildtrak where fuel costs rise up to 4-500 EUR.

For many travelers, this covers multiple meals, activities, upgraded accommodation or additional experiences.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Electric vs Petrol

1. Clean, Renewable Electricity

Unlike many countries where EVs indirectly rely on coal or natural gas, Iceland’s electricity comes almost entirely from geothermal and hydropower. Charging an EV here is truly environmentally friendly.

2. Strong Fast-Charging Coverage

Fast chargers are available all along the Ring Road and throughout most towns in every region of Iceland. With Saga’s charging key, drivers can access multiple networks with a simple tap.

3. Smoother and Quieter Driving

EVs offer quiet cabins, smooth acceleration and instant torque, ideal for long driving days in changing Icelandic weather conditions.

Spacious and Flexible

The E-5008 offers generous cargo space and a flexible seating configuration, making it ideal for families, photography gear or large luggage.

Long Range

Its real-world range comfortably supports long stretches of the Ring Road with strategic fast-charging stops.

Confident Performance

Electric torque helps on hills, gravel roads and overtaking in narrow rural sections.

Quiet Cabin

Long travel days become noticeably less tiring in a silent EV.

The Ford Kuga is a capable and practical petrol SUV from the same rental class as the E-5008. It offers strong road performance, good cargo space and familiar driving characteristics. However, its petrol consumption, especially in Iceland’s windy, cold or mountainous conditions, results in much higher running costs than an EV.

Using the Kuga as a comparison gives travelers a clear and honest picture of the financial advantage of choosing electric.