Driving Electric in Tenerife: The Ultimate Guide to EV Charging Stations

Published on 05. April 2026 18:53 en Recommendations

Tenerife is rapidly embracing the future of sustainable travel. With its spectacular volcanic landscapes, winding mountain roads, and coastal highways, exploring the largest of the Canary Islands in an electric vehicle (EV) is an unforgettable experience.

If you are planning an eco-friendly road trip or renting an electric car, this guide for Canaguia.com covers everything you need to know about finding and using EV charging stations across Tenerife.

The EV Charging Landscape in Tenerife

While the island’s charging infrastructure is still growing, it is more than sufficient for tourists and locals alike. Major operators have installed reliable fast and semi-fast charging points at strategic locations, including shopping malls, public parking lots, hotels, and gas stations.

Essential Apps to Download

Before you hit the road, make sure your smartphone is equipped with the right tools. The charging network is somewhat fragmented, so having the right apps is crucial:

  • Electromaps: The absolute must-have app for Spain and the Canary Islands. It shows real-time availability, charging speeds, and allows you to pay directly through the app or an RFID key fob.
  • Endesa X Way (JuicePass): Endesa is one of the largest energy providers in Spain and operates many fast chargers on the island.
  • Iberdrola Public Recharge: Another major player with several high-speed charging points scattered across Tenerife.
  • Chargemap: A great backup app with a comprehensive user-updated map and cross-network compatibility.

Where to Charge: Key Locations Across the Island

Tenerife’s chargers are clustered around major population centers and tourist hubs.

1. Santa Cruz de Tenerife & La Laguna (The Metropolitan Area)

The capital and its neighboring historic city are well-equipped with chargers.

  • Shopping Centers: Meridiano and El Corte Inglés offer convenient charging while you shop or dine.
  • Public Parking: Many subterranean parking garages (like Weyler or Plaza de España) have dedicated EV spots with AC destination chargers (typically 11kW or 22kW).
  • Fast Chargers: You can find 50kW DC fast chargers operated by Endesa and Iberdrola near major roundabouts and industrial estates.

2. The South: Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas & Los Cristianos

The bustling southern resorts cater heavily to tourists, making it easy to top up your battery.

  • Siam Mall (Costa Adeje): A very popular charging location with reliable points.
  • Hotels: An increasing number of luxury and family hotels in the south now offer destination charging exclusively for guests. (Always call ahead to confirm availability!)
  • Gas Stations: Several Disa and Shell stations along the TF-1 highway have installed rapid chargers.

3. The North: Puerto de la Cruz & Orotava Valley

Exploring the lush north requires a bit more planning, but chargers are available.

  • La Villa Shopping Center (La Orotava): A great place to charge before heading up into the mountains.
  • Puerto de la Cruz: Municipal parking areas and larger supermarkets (like Lidl) frequently offer 22kW AC chargers.

4. Teide National Park: A Word of Caution

Driving up to Mount Teide is the highlight of any Tenerife trip. However, there are no public fast chargers inside the National Park.

  • Pro Tip: Fully charge your vehicle in La Orotava, Vilaflor, or Chío before beginning your ascent. EVs benefit greatly from regenerative braking on the long descent, meaning you will recover a significant amount of battery on your way back down to the coast!

Tips for EV Rentals in Tenerife

  1. Check Included Cards: Ask your rental agency if they provide an RFID charging card (like an Electromaps pass). This saves you from downloading multiple apps.
  2. Understand the Connectors: Most public chargers in Tenerife use the European standard Type 2 for AC charging and CCS2 for DC fast charging. If you are renting an older Nissan Leaf, ensure it has a CHAdeMO port or adapter.
  3. Bring Your Own Cable: Many public 22kW AC chargers in town centers are "untethered," meaning you must plug in your own Type 2 cable (which should be provided in the trunk of your rental car).

Conclusion

Tenerife's compact size—measuring just over 80 kilometers from top to bottom—makes it an ideal destination for electric vehicles. With a little bit of planning and the Electromaps app in your pocket, you can explore the island's incredible diversity entirely emission-free.

Have a great eco-friendly trip, and enjoy the beautiful roads of the Canary Islands!