Tesla – Charging Infrastructure in Iceland

When Tesla expanded its high-performance charging network in Iceland, the requirements were clear: maximum reliability, high capacity, and documentation that stands up to both regulatory demands and the forces of nature.

Møre Trafo delivered five complete substations with transformers, adapted to Icelandic conditions and Tesla’s global quality standard. The delivery covered installations in Akureyri, Egilsstaðir and three locations in and around Reykjavik.

Iceland offers extreme climatic conditions:

• Strong wind
• High snow load
• Documentation requirements related to earthquakes

At the same time, high-performance charging stations demand significant power and a stable power supply – with no downtime. EV charging infrastructure is critical to society, and the solution must work just as well in midwinter as in the summer season.

Tailor-Made for Icelandic Conditions

The delivery consisted of complete MAXI substations with:

• Transformer
• High-Voltage Systems
• Low-voltage installations
• Concrete ring foundation supplied by Møre Trafo

In Iceland, concrete foundations are standard – both to secure the necessary weight against strong winds and to achieve the right working height for cable work.

The result is a robust, reliable solution, adapted to the climate, ground conditions, and local regulatory requirements.

Large Substations – High Output

The substations come with 1600 kVA and 2000 kVA transformers, and include:

• 11 kV switchgear for the grid owner in a separate room
• Switchgear with metering section for energy settlement in a high-voltage room for charging operator
• Dedicated low-voltage room with 480 V main switchboard

One of the substations is so extensive that it triggers specific requirements for documentation on snow load, wind load, and earthquakes.Møre Trafo provides the necessary technical documentation and calculations.

• 5 complete substations delivered
• Installed at three strategic locations
• All in operation
• Documentation adapted to Icelandic regulations

The delivery is part of a fast-growing charging network. In 2023, over 50% of all new cars sold in Iceland were fully electric – second highest in the world after Norway.

The project confirms Møre Trafo’s position as a reliable supplier of critical energy infrastructure – also in international markets with demanding framework conditions.

Project facts