Osprey Charging is one of the UK’s largest rapid and ultra-rapid public charging networks, operating across more than 400 locations. If you drive past a charging hub at a retail park, supermarket or Marston’s pub and see the Osprey branding, you are looking at what was once Engenie — a network that rebranded in 2020 and has since grown significantly in both size and speed.
Key Takeaways
- Osprey Charging was formerly known as Engenie and rebranded in 2020.
- The network operates around 2,838 chargers across 400-plus locations, primarily at retail parks and pub car parks.
- Contactless PAYG costs 87p/kWh; the Osprey app brings this down to 82p/kWh.
- No subscription or connection fees — you pay only for the electricity you use.
- Osprey won the Zapmap ‘EV driver recommended 2026’ award in the large rapid/ultra-rapid category.
What Is Osprey Charging?
Osprey Charging is a UK-based rapid EV charging network founded as Engenie in London in 2016. The company pivoted its brand to Osprey in 2020 and has since focused on deploying rapid (50-150kW) and ultra-rapid (150-350kW and above) chargers at high-footfall destinations.
Unlike some networks that have a mix of slow 7kW units alongside rapid chargers, Osprey concentrates exclusively on rapid and ultra-rapid charging. That focus means you are typically adding meaningful range during the time it takes to pick up a coffee or do a weekly shop.
Where Osprey Operates
As of March 2026, Osprey operates around 2,838 charge points across more than 400 UK locations. You will find the network at:
- Marston’s pub car parks — a long-standing partnership that placed chargers at hundreds of roadside pubs across England and Wales.
- Retail parks — including Ashton Retail Park and similar out-of-town shopping destinations.
- Motorway-adjacent sites — not motorway services themselves, but A-road hubs near major routes.
- Supermarket sites — including McDonald’s forecourts.
- Legal & General sites — a more recent landlord partnership expanding the network’s footprint into property-managed commercial sites.
Recent hub openings include a new Midlands ultra-rapid hub (April 2026), Twyford Services Evesham (March 2026), and McDonald’s Harwich (March 2026). You can find all live Osprey locations on the Osprey app, Zapmap, or Zap-Pay.
Osprey Charging Pricing Per kWh
Osprey uses a simple per-kWh pricing structure with no connection fees or idle fees.
| Payment method | Rate |
|---|---|
| Contactless bank card / Apple Pay / Google Pay | 87p/kWh |
| Osprey app | 82p/kWh |
| Weekend app discount | ~74p/kWh (10% off standard app rate) |
There are no subscription plans. You download the app (free) and benefit from the lower rate automatically. Osprey also runs a 10% weekend discount through the app.
For a full comparison of public vs home charging costs, see our EV charging costs guide.
Roaming Cards Accepted at Osprey
If you already carry an EV roaming card from another provider, Osprey accepts several third-party cards. Verified compatible providers include:
- Allstar
- Paua Electric Fuel Card
- OVO Drive
- Octopus Electroverse
- ZapPay
- Shell Recharge
- Plugsurfing
This makes Osprey accessible without needing a dedicated Osprey account, which is useful for fleet drivers who manage multiple charging providers through a single card.
The Osprey App
The Osprey app (available on iOS and Android) lets you:
- Locate nearby Osprey chargers and check live availability
- Start and manage charging sessions remotely
- View session history and download VAT receipts
- Access the discounted 82p/kWh rate
- Receive exclusive rewards and promotions
There is no mandatory prepayment balance or top-up required. You pay per session, linked to a debit or credit card stored in the app.
How to Pay at Osprey
Osprey chargers accept several payment methods:
- Contactless bank card — tap your card directly on the reader (87p/kWh).
- Apple Pay or Google Pay — contactless via your phone (87p/kWh).
- Osprey app — authenticate via the app on your phone (82p/kWh, with weekend discount available).
- Roaming RFID card — from supported providers listed above.
Real-World Reliability
Osprey has built a reputation for reliable, well-maintained chargers. In 2026, the network won the Zapmap ‘EV driver recommended’ award in the large rapid/ultra-rapid network category, based on driver ratings submitted through the Zapmap platform.
User reviews on Trustpilot frequently highlight fast response times from the support team when issues do occur. The network’s focus on newer, higher-power hardware contributes to its reliability record. Osprey publishes a live status map in the app and on its website so you can check availability before heading out.
Osprey vs the Alternatives
Osprey vs bp pulse: BP Pulse has a larger footprint (around 5,400 chargers) and offers a subscription plan (£7.85/month) that unlocks rates starting from 52p/kWh for frequent users. Osprey is a better choice if you want no-subscription rapid charging with a reliable, modern fleet.
Osprey vs InstaVolt: InstaVolt charges £0.92/kWh at peak times via contactless, slightly higher than Osprey’s 87p/kWh. However, InstaVolt’s off-peak app rate (55p/kWh, 8pm to 7am) undercuts Osprey for late-night charging. Both networks have strong reliability reputations and similar locations in retail settings.
Should You Use Osprey?
Osprey suits drivers who want straightforward rapid charging at retail and leisure destinations without committing to a subscription. The app rate of 82p/kWh is competitive for rapid charging, and the weekend discount adds further value.
If your priority is the lowest possible per-kWh cost, consider whether a home EV tariff could cover the majority of your charging needs — public rapid charging is best used as a top-up for longer journeys rather than your primary charging method.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Osprey Charging called before? Osprey Charging was originally founded as Engenie Electric Vehicle Rapid Charging in London in 2016. The company rebranded to Osprey Charging in 2020 as part of a strategic repositioning focused on rapid and ultra-rapid public charging infrastructure.
How much does it cost to charge at Osprey? Osprey charges 87p/kWh with a contactless bank card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Using the free Osprey app reduces this to 82p/kWh, with a further 10% discount available at weekends through the app. There are no connection fees or idle fees.
Can I use my roaming RFID card at Osprey chargers? Yes. Osprey accepts roaming cards from several providers including Allstar, Paua, OVO Drive, Octopus Electroverse, ZapPay, Shell Recharge and Plugsurfing. Check with your card provider for the rate applied when roaming on the Osprey network.
Where can I find Osprey charging locations? Osprey locations are listed in the Osprey app, on Zapmap, and via Zap-Pay. The network is concentrated at Marston’s pub car parks, retail parks, supermarkets and sites managed by property partners such as Legal & General.