Bergen has electric car charging stations throughout the city centre, at the airport, and along the main routes into the fjords - including fast chargers for road trips and slower chargers at parking garages and shopping centres.
Norway has one of the most extensive and mature electric car charging networks in Europe, so finding a charger in and around Bergen is straightforward.
Here is everything you need to know about where to charge your electric car in Bergen, how EV charging works in Norway and how to pay for charging.
Charging station. Photo: Bård Asle Nordbø / Statens vegvesen
Where can I charge an electric car in Bergen?
Quick answer:
Bergen has EV charging in most city-centre parking garages (ByGarasjen, KlosterGarasjen, GriegGarasjen), at shopping centres, at Bergen Airport (P13), and via fast chargers on the main roads out of the city. Use ladestasjoner.no to find live availability, and download a roaming app like Elton if you don't want a separate app per operator.
There are charging stations throughout Bergen. You can find both slower AC chargers, which are ideal when you are staying somewhere for a few hours, and fast and ultra-fast DC chargers, which are useful when you are on a road trip and want to get back on the road quickly.
For the most up-to-date overview of charging stations, including locations and available chargers, Visit Bergen recommends using the national charging map at ladestasjoner.no.
Charging in Bergen city centre
If you are staying in central Bergen, the easiest option is often to combine parking and charging. Several of Bergen's central parking garages have charging facilities.
ByGarasjen is one of the most convenient options if you are arriving by car. Located next to Bergen Bus Station and close to Bergen Railway Station, it has around 90 charging spaces. The garage is open 24 hours and is within easy walking distance of attractions such as the KODE art museums and Grieghallen.
KlosterGarasjen is another good choice if you are staying close to Bryggen, Vågen, the Fish Market or Torgallmenningen. The 24-hour parking garage has around 12 charging stations and is located at Vestre Murallmenningen, close to the city centre.
GriegGarasjen, underneath Grieghallen, has four charging points and is particularly convenient if you are visiting Grieghallen or staying near the railway station and Lille Lungegårdsvannet.
There are also charging facilities at NordnesGarasjen, close to the Bergen Aquarium and Nordnes seawater pool, and at SolheimsGarasjen in Solheimsviken.
Charging while shopping
Charging your car while you shop, have lunch or enjoy a coffee can be a convenient alternative.
Lagunen Storsenter, around 30 minutes from Bergen city centre by light rail, has EV charging facilities and more than 2,200 parking spaces. Thon Senter Bergen, next to Bergen Bus Station, also has a multi-level parking facility with EV charging.
This can be particularly useful if you are planning a trip outside Bergen and want to combine charging with a longer stop.
Fast charging for road trips
If you are travelling through Bergen and the Bergen region, fast and ultra-fast charging stations are available at several locations around the city and along the main roads.
Major charging networks operating in the Bergen area include Eviny, Kople, Recharge, Circle K, Uno-X, Mer and Plug, among others. Because availability, charging speed and prices can change, it is best to check the individual operator's app or a live charging map before setting off.
Eviny, one of Norway's major charging operators and a Bergen-based company, has a particularly extensive network in Western Norway. Its fast-charging network can be located through the Bilkraft app, and Eviny states that its charging stations accept payment through the Bilkraft app.
Can I charge an electric car at Bergen Airport?
Yes. If you are picking up or returning a rental car at Bergen Airport Flesland, charging is available in P13. Avinor currently lists EV charging as available in P13, with the parking payment handled through the airport's parking system.
If you are leaving Bergen by air after a road trip, it is therefore possible to charge your car before returning it - provided your rental agreement and the available charging spaces allow it.
Photo: Bård Asle Nordbø / Statens vegvesen
How do I charge an electric car in Norway?
Charging an EV in Norway is straightforward, but the exact procedure depends on the charging station.
1. Check the connector
Most modern European electric cars use CCS for fast charging and Type 2 for slower AC charging. Fast chargers normally have a cable attached to the charger, while you will generally need your own Type 2 cable when using an AC charger. If you are renting an electric car, check whether a Type 2 cable is included before setting off.
2. Choose your payment method
There are several ways to pay for EV charging in Norway.
Charging app:
Most charging operators have their own app. You can use the app to find a charger, check availability, start and stop charging and pay for the session.
Roaming apps:
Apps such as Elton can provide access to charging stations from several different operators. This can be particularly convenient for international visitors who do not want to download a separate app for every charging network. NAF (Norges Automobil Forbund / Norwegian Automobile Association) recommends using apps that provide access to multiple operators.
Bank card:
Payment by card is becoming increasingly common. Norwegian regulations already require payment terminals at new publicly available charging points with an output of at least 50 kW, and the rules are being further developed to make charging more similar to the experience of filling up with conventional fuel.
QR code:
Some chargers allow you to scan a QR code and pay online. NAF notes that this is a common alternative, although it can sometimes be more expensive than paying through an operator's app.
RFID charging card/key:
Some charging operators still support RFID charging cards or charging keys. However, the charging industry is gradually moving towards app and card-based solutions, so an RFID card should not be your only payment option.
3. Plug in and start charging
Park so that the charging cable reaches your car's charging port. Connect the cable, start the charging session using the app, card, QR code or other method offered by the charger, and check that charging has started.
When you have enough charge, stop the session before unplugging the car. This is particularly important at fast chargers, where other drivers may be waiting.
What is the difference between normal charging and fast charging?
The charging speed you need depends on how long you are staying.
AC charging is slower and is ideal when your car will be parked for several hours - for example overnight at a hotel, while visiting an attraction or while shopping.
DC fast charging is much faster and is the best choice when you are travelling between destinations. Fast chargers bypass the car's onboard charger and can deliver considerably more power directly to the battery.
For a sightseeing holiday, you normally do not need to spend time waiting for your car to reach 100%. A short fast-charging stop while you have a coffee, use the toilet or stretch your legs can be all you need.
Photo: Bård Asle Nordbø / Statens vegvesen
A few tips for charging an electric car in Bergen
Plan your charging stops.
Before leaving Bergen, check your route and identify a few charging alternatives. This is particularly useful when travelling into the fjord region, where distances between some services can be greater than in the city.
Don't wait until your battery is almost empty.
Western Norway is mountainous, and weather and temperature can affect range. Keeping some battery capacity in reserve makes your journey more relaxed.
Check the price before charging.
Charging prices vary between operators and payment methods. Prices should be displayed before you start charging, but always check the current price in the relevant app or at the charger.
Use your charging stop as part of the journey.
One of the pleasures of travelling around the Bergen region is that you rarely need to make a charging stop just for the sake of charging. Stop for lunch, explore a village, visit an attraction or take a short walk while your car charges.
Remember that parking and charging can be separate costs.
In Bergen's parking garages, you may pay both for parking and for the electricity used to charge your car. Check the information at the individual facility before starting your session.
Check Statens Vegvesen for live traffic updates and road closures before you set off, especially if you're driving through mountain passes or into the fjords. If you haven't booked your car yet, see our guide to hiring a car in Bergen.
If you're mapping out the journey itself, take a look at our guide to driving to Bergen for route options and scenic stops along the way.
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