With 1,000 UK stores, Lidl could turn grocery runs into a bigger win for EV driversThe Cool DownRay BrennanFri, September 18, 2026 at 11:07 PM UTCAdd us on GooglePhoto Credit: YouTubeLidl's reputation in the United Kingdom is built on low-cost groceries, but a YouTube charging test showed the retailer could soon play a large role in the country's EV shift after a £10 million ($13.3 million) investment in EV charging.Dave Takes It On (@davetakesiton) said that the rollout could push competing chains to cut prices and add more chargers at stores drivers already visit as part of their routines.Here's what to knowDave's video centered on a newly installed Lidl rapid charger. The session went smoothly, and the equipment shown was a 60-kilowatt ABB unit. In the video, Dave said Lidl's app listed charging at 59 pence (78 cents) per kilowatt-hour and called the setup "brilliant."AdvertisementAdvertisementThe pricing, however, turned out to be less straightforward. Dave first tried to begin the charge through an app, then ended up starting the session with an Electroverse RFID card.That left him to pay £5.72 ($7.64) for 8.4 kilowatt-hours after a 50-pence (66-cent) discount — which Dave calculated in the video worked out to about 68 pence (90 cents) per kilowatt-hour net.He still said Lidl seemed cheaper than some rivals. As a comparison, Dave said in the video that Sainsbury's Smart Charge cost 72 pence (96 cents) per kilowatt-hour and used 150-kW and 300-kW chargers.With more than 1,000 Lidl stores in the United Kingdom, Dave said, a rollout of mid-speed rapid chargers could bring EV charging to many ordinary shopping sites.More backgroundPublic charging prices and reliability remain major concerns for EV drivers, particularly those who cannot charge at home.AdvertisementAdvertisementA supermarket charger that works on the first try and offers a low rate could make EV ownership more practical for apartment dwellers, renters, and anyone who wants to top up.Dave also said in the video that 60-kW charging could suit many inexpensive EVs, including models that max out in the 50-70-kW range. That could make Lidl's approach a logical match as a budget supermarket offering charging that fits a lot of budget-friendly cars.Commenters echoed frustration with public charging. "The biggest scam with public charging is that you pay 20% [value-added tax] whereas home charging is only 5%," one wrote. Another added, "Just shows how complicated it can be and how easy it is to make a mistake and be caught out even by a very seasoned and experienced user."What's being done?If Lidl installs these chargers across a large swath of the U.K., weekly grocery trips could become common opportunities for drivers to plug in.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat kind of expansion could also force other supermarket chains to respond. Dave framed it in the video as a possible fight for EV customers, with charging offers serving a role similar to the fuel discounts supermarkets use to draw in shoppers.As Dave put it, "This really is the first indication that we're starting that price war."Where can I learn more?Lidl's move into rapid charging lines up with a wider push by retailers and automakers to win drivers on convenience, speed, and price. The articles here look at how charging is showing up in more everyday places, while cheap cars and new technology could put more pressure on public charging costs.• In the U.S., Walmart's EV charging surge crossed 500 stalls for routine shopping trips.AdvertisementAdvertisement• For some drivers, battery-swapping electric cars could cut waits to gas-station timing.• EVgo plans to add more than 400 chargers at grocery stores across the U.S.Drivers want cheap, simple ways to go electric. If supermarkets can offer EV infrastructure, the public charging market could shift.Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
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