Driving an electric car to Norway? On the ferry from Hirtshals to Kristiansand you can charge on one ship, but not on the others. On this page you will find which crossing suits your EV, how charging on board works and what to watch out for when you book.
Quick overview
- Charging on board: only on Fjord Line’s Fjord FSTR, for a fee and booked in advance.
- Color Line and Fjord Line’s large ships: no charging on board, so arrive with a full battery.
- Cable: bring your own Type 2 cable.
- Height: the FSTR charging bays only take cars up to 1.95 m high and without a trailer.
- Check-in: with a charging booking at least 60 minutes before departure, ideally 90 minutes in summer.
Can you charge on board? By ship
| Ship | Operator | Crossing time | Charging on board |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fjord FSTR | Fjord Line | approx. 2 hrs 25 min | Yes, for a fee (book in advance) |
| SuperSpeed 1 | Color Line | approx. 3 hrs 15 min | No |
| MS Stavangerfjord / MS Bergensfjord | Fjord Line | approx. 3 hrs 45 min to 3 hrs 55 min | No |
Note that the Fjord FSTR is seasonal: in 2026 it sails from 27 March to 20 September. Outside that period there is no charging on board on this route. You can see which ships sail on your travel day in the Hirtshals Kristiansand timetable.
How charging works on the Fjord FSTR
- There are 16 Type 2 charge points supplying AC power up to 22 kW.
- You add charging when you book and pay for it before departure. Without a booking you cannot charge.
- You bring your own cable. Fjord Line recommends a 32 A Type 2 cable.
- When you drive on board, the crew directs you to a charging bay.
- The charging bays only take cars up to 1.95 m high and without a trailer. A roof box or roof-mounted bike rack can take you over that limit.
How much charge you gain depends on your car’s onboard charger. Many electric cars charge on AC at a maximum of 11 kW, even if the charge point can deliver more. So don’t count on driving off in Kristiansand with a full battery; see it as a useful top-up.
Our tip: there are only 16 charge points on a ship that carries over 400 vehicles. If you travel in summer and want to be sure of charging, book the crossing and the charging session well in advance. See Fjord FSTR sailings →
With Color Line or Fjord Line’s large ships
Color Line does not allow private cars and motorhomes to be connected to an external power source on board. The car deck is also locked during the crossing. You cannot charge on Fjord Line’s MS Stavangerfjord and MS Bergensfjord either. So top up shortly before Hirtshals, so you drive off in Norway with enough range.
Practical information about the terminals in Hirtshals:
Driving an electric car in Norway
Norway is one of the easiest countries to tour by electric car, with plenty of rapid chargers along the main roads. Electric cars also pay less in road tolls than other cars: never more than 70 percent of the standard rate. How much you save exactly varies by region.
Electric car with a caravan
Towing a caravan with your electric car? With a trailer you cannot use the charging bays on the FSTR. Fjord Line also prohibits powering a caravan or motorhome from your car on board, including via V2L (vehicle-to-load). Everything about dimensions and gas rules is on our page ferry Hirtshals Kristiansand with a motorhome.
Frequently asked questions about electric cars on the ferry
Can I charge my electric car on the ferry to Kristiansand?
Only on Fjord Line’s Fjord FSTR, if you book charging in advance and your car is no taller than 1.95 m. You cannot charge on the Color Line SuperSpeed 1 or Fjord Line’s large ships.
Do I need to bring my own charging cable?
Yes. On the FSTR you have to use your own cable. Fjord Line recommends a 32 A Type 2 cable.
How early should I arrive if I want to charge on board?
At least 60 minutes before departure. From June to August, Fjord Line recommends checking in no later than 90 minutes before departure if you have booked charging.
Does an electric car cost more on the ferry?
The fare depends mainly on the dimensions of your car, your travel date and your departure time. Charging on board the FSTR is a paid extra. You will see the current price for your date when you book. Check the price for your crossing →
Rules can change. Always check the latest conditions on the websites of Color Line and Fjord Line before you travel.