Electric mobility and ferries: what you need to know. With the growing popularity of electric cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, interest is also growing in how these vehicles are handled when traveling by ferry. This topic touches on three main aspects: green incentives, boarding rules and restrictions, and charging options during the crossing. Let’s look at the main changes 2026 and the differences between routes and territories.
Incentives and promotions for electric vehicles on the ferry
Routes Ibiza – Formentera. A concrete and positive case concerns the routes between Ibiza e Formentera operated by some companies such as Baleària: For 2025, it has been announced that there will be free boarding for 100% electric cars, motorcycles, mopeds and small vehicles on the routes Dénia – Formentera e Ibiza – Formentera. This type of promotion is aimed at encouraging sustainable mobility and rewarding those who choose zero-emission vehicles.
Important note: The benefit applies only to fully electric vehicles (not hybrids).
Charging incentives in Greece
On a broader level, Greece is receiving EU and public investment to expand its network of charging stations, including near the larger and smaller islands. The European Investment Bank has allocated funds under the InvestEU program to support network operators and install about 2,200 new charging points in Greece and Cyprus by 2029, also favoring coastal and island areas.
This type of incentive does not directly affect ferry boarding, but it incentivizes the use of electric vehicles in the area and facilitates stopping and recharging after landing on the islands.
Boarding regulations: battery charging restrictions
Islands of Greece. One peculiar and recent rule concerns the boarding of cars and electric vehicles (including plug-in hybrids) on ferries connecting Greek port cities to islands (e.g., the Cyclades, Crete, or Aegean Islands). According to a decree of the Greek Ministry of Navigation, electric vehicles cannot board with a battery charge of more than 40 percent. This applies both to routes within Greece and to some international routes operated by Greek companies.
The limitation is motivated by safety and risk management reasons in the case of battery-related fires, although not all experts agree on the direct link to the likelihood of fires.
Practical advice:
If you are traveling to the Greek islands with your electric car (e.g., from Athens to Mykonos, Santorini), plan your trip so that you arrive at the port with a charge close to or below 40 percent to avoid being unable to board your vehicle.The network of charging stations on Greece’s islands is still relatively sparse, so plan where to recharge as soon as you disembark.
Aeolian Islands and Italian Routes. Currently, there are no Italian rules similar to those in Greece that impose specific battery charging restrictions for electric vehicles embarked to Italian islands such as the Aeolian Islands or Sicily. However, some ferry companies (such as Corsica Linea on routes to Corsica) have independently required reduced charge levels at embarkation (about 30 percent of the battery), especially in pilot cases or on certain routes.
For the Aeolian Islands and Italian connections in general, there are no major uniform European or national regulatory restrictions, but it is always good to check with the specific shipping company before leaving.
Charging on board ferries: realities and opportunities
Generally not available. For the vast majority of ferry routes in the Mediterranean (Greece, Italy, Balearic Islands), there is no onboard charging service available for electric cars while sailing. Those who bring their electric cars must therefore arrive with enough charge to make it through both the crossing and the distance from the charging station to the port.
Examples of charging services on ferries. On some more northern routes or outside the Mediterranean, special cases can be found where ferries offer charging points:
- Stena Line on the route Gothenburg – Kiel offers outlets for charging electric vehicles on board, which can be reserved when booking your trip (about 6 spaces).
- Some companies such as Irish Ferries on Ireland-UK/France routes also offer dedicated EV charging points during the crossing, often by reservation and for a small extra fee.
- TT-Line has implemented charging points on its “Green Ships” to allow charging during the crossing, contributing to sustainable mobility with dedicated infrastructure.
However, these cases remain exceptional and are not present (at least for now) on the main ferry routes in the Mediterranean to the islands of Ibiza, Greece or the Aeolian Islands.
Practical advice: board your own electric vehicle or rent?
Is it convenient to board your car/motorbike/electric bike?
Pros:
- Freedom to move with your own vehicle.
- No waiting or on-site rental costs if you already own an electric vehicle.
Cons:
- Logistical problems such as limited charging in Greece or few charging stations on islands.
- Lack of on-board charging on Mediterranean ferries.
- Sometimes higher boarding costs (although there may be promotions in some cases).
Alternative: renting an electric vehicle directly on the island may be easier, especially where the charging infrastructure is already in place (e.g., Formentera or Greek islands and larger cities such as Crete/Athens).If you plan a full tour with your vehicle (e.g., from your home to the islands), always check with the ferry company first about boarding rules and limits on batteries.
If the local charging network is limited or complicated, consider renting an electric vehicle on the island or book charging stations in ports in advance. Transportation of electric vehicles on ferries is possible, but rules, incentives and services offered vary significantly depending on destination and company.
