InstaVolt vs Osprey
Rapid charging networks head-to-head
InstaVolt and Osprey are two of the UK's most popular rapid charging networks, both operating thousands of 50kW+ chargers across England and Wales. They target similar locations and drivers, but differ in pricing, off-peak deals, and roaming card discounts.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | InstaVolt | Osprey |
|---|---|---|
| Charger count | 2,254 | 2,883 |
| Standard pricing | 70-89p/kWh | From 79p/kWh |
| Best price available | 54p/kWh off-peak (8pm-8am) | ~63p/kWh via Electroverse (20% off) |
| Max speed | 150kW | 300kW |
| Off-peak pricing | Yes (54p/kWh, 8pm-8am) | No |
| Electroverse discount | Standard rates | ~20% off at many locations |
| Contactless | Yes | Yes |
| Reliability | Excellent | Good |
| Coverage | England and Wales | England and Wales |
Verdict
InstaVolt wins on value if you can charge off-peak — 54p/kWh between 8pm and 8am is hard to beat for rapid charging. InstaVolt also has a better reliability reputation. Osprey wins for daytime charging via Electroverse, where the 20% discount brings costs to approximately 63p/kWh. Osprey also offers faster maximum speeds (300kW vs 150kW) and a slightly larger network. For the cheapest rapid charging, InstaVolt off-peak is the clear winner.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the InstaVolt app or an RFID card to start your session between 8pm and 8am. Contactless payments do not qualify for the off-peak rate.
Simply use your Electroverse RFID card or app to start a session at participating Osprey chargers. The ~20% discount is applied automatically.
InstaVolt is consistently rated as one of the most reliable UK charging networks. Osprey's reliability has improved but is slightly less consistent overall.