French supermarket chains Leclerc and Lidl are engaging in a new kind of competition, not just over the price of groceries but also over electric vehicle charging stations. In recent weeks, both chains have been adjusting their pricing for standard AC charging stations, which operate at up to 22 kW—slower than fast-charging stations but still useful for shoppers who have time or live near the stores without home charging options. At the start of summer, Leclerc introduced a price of 19 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for its AC charging stations. This was a strategic move to attract electric vehicle owners looking for affordable charging while doing their shopping. However, in mid-September, Lidl responded by reducing its price from 0.29 to 0.18 euros per kWh, claiming the title of the cheapest electric charging in France, without requiring a subscription. Customers only needed to use the Lidl Plus app, which is free to download. In response, Leclerc lowered its price to 0.17 euros per kWh, reclaiming the title of the cheapest provider for standard charging. The offer is available through the "Charge E-lec" app, which helps users locate the charging stations offering this deal. Additionally, customers receive a credit of 50% of the cost of their first charge to their Leclerc loyalty card account, adding an extra incentive to use the service. This competition highlights a growing trend among retailers to offer additional services to attract customers, particularly those who own electric vehicles. As more people switch to electric cars, the availability and affordability of charging stations have become key factors in consumer decision-making. Both Leclerc and Lidl are clearly trying to position themselves as not just grocery stores, but as convenient stops for shoppers with electric vehicles.