Recharging: Lidl offers a better rate than Leclerc at 0.18 euros per kWh for AC charging

For reference, the price per kilowatt-hour under EDF’s Blue tariff is around 0.20 euros including tax with the basic option. Leclerc already offered charging at AC stations for 0.19 euros. This offer is now surpassed by Lidl’s rate of just under 0.18 euros.

With the Lidl Plus app

To be clear: To enjoy a rate of 0.18 euros per kilowatt-hour at AC stations or 0.29 euros at DC chargers, you must use the free Lidl Plus app available on Google Play and the Play Store.

It’s subscription-free, but you’ll need to register and provide a valid credit card to take advantage of these discounted rates. Everything is protected by a personal code of your choice. To start recharging, you’ll need to select the relevant charging point through the app or scan the QR code on the terminal.

You can use these terminals without the app: with a debit card (only DC chargers) or an RFID badge (AC terminals and DC chargers). However, in this case, the prices rise to 0.29 and 0.39 per unit respectively, not including the fee charged by the mobility operator, which can vary depending on partnerships.

No notification when charging is complete

If the app provides information on the availability of the various charging stations at Lidl, it does not allow users to reserve them, track the progress of a charge, or even determine whether it has been completed. There are also no notifications sent to the smartphone.

With this software, however, it is possible to obtain various details such as the location of the charging stations, a route via Maps to reach them, the type of connector, the power output, and the current price. Previous charges made at Lidl’s network as well as invoices are stored and accessible in the personal account.

It would likely have been a good way to attract more electric vehicle users and retain them as customers of the products sold in the chain’s stores, but discount coupons obtained through shopping do not allow participation in covering recharge costs. Conversely, the gifts that can be earned monthly based on spending at the store do not take into account the amount recharged during the same period.

For electric vehicle users without a fixed charging point

Does the app also allow use of Lidl’s charging stations abroad? Yes, but this requires a small preliminary setup explained on the company’s website. This will help users understand the specific charging conditions in that country.

Thanks to Lidl’s new offer, drivers who don’t have the ability to charge an electric vehicle at home can still benefit from electricity at a rate close to that of the contract used to power their homes.

One would expect this option to be available at the 22 kW AC charging stations installed by the departmental energy agencies.