At a time when fuel prices have reached record highs, Lidl, a major European supermarket chain, is offering an attractive rate for electric vehicle (EV) charging. The new rate is 0.18 euros per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for alternating current (AC) charging, which is sufficient to recharge the 50 kWh battery of the Renault 5 E-Tech for about 9 euros. This is significantly cheaper than the typical rates at fast-charging stations such as Ionity or Electra, where the cost can often exceed 30 euros for a similar charge. The discount applies only to AC charging, which is slower and typically limited to 22 kW, and is available exclusively through the Lidl Plus app. The rate represents a 37.9 percent decrease from the previous 0.29 euros per kWh, allowing Lidl to claim the cheapest rate in France for AC charging. However, fast charging with direct current (DC), which can reach up to 180 kW, remains priced at 0.29 euros per kWh. At 22 kW, an AC charging station provides enough energy to drive the time it takes to go through a checkout. For those who plug in their car while shopping, the 0.18 euro per kWh rate becomes difficult to beat. Lidl’s strategy extends beyond its parking lots. The retailer also sells its own home charging stations, allowing customers to recharge at home. Some drivers have even attempted to use free electric bike charging sockets for their cars, though the legality of this practice is unclear. Most cars, however, have on-board chargers that limit AC charging to 11 kW or even 7.4 kW, meaning that the 22 kW charging stations can only partially recharge a car’s battery in a short time. The 0.18 euro rate primarily benefits those who leave their car plugged in for a long time, rather than those needing a quick charge. The retail sector is not acting alone in this trend. Other supermarket chains such as Intermarché, E.Leclerc, and Carrefour are also expanding their EV charging infrastructure. In the spring of 2026, retailers, energy companies, and charging operators even met at the Elysée, the official residence of the French president, to discuss strategies. The logic is clear: charging stations are becoming a new attraction for customers, much like gas stations were in the past. Lidl has a head start, with more than 5,700 charging points across its supermarket parking lots, making it the largest fast-charging network in France by the number of points. With over 1,000 of its 1,600 stores already equipped, Lidl has significant room to grow. Unlike specialized charging operators, Lidl can afford to sell electricity at cost price, as it makes up for it through the average shopping basket in the store. For electric drivers, the process is simple: plug in, do the shopping, and leave. At 0.18 euros per kWh for AC charging, it’s hard to find a cheaper option elsewhere. This gives Lidl a significant advantage over specialized charging operators, who face a structural disadvantage when competing on price.