How Much Is Lidl EV Charging? A Complete Guide to Costs, Speeds & Availability

As one of the UK’s most popular supermarket chains, Lidl has become an important player in the growing network of public EV charging stations. This comprehensive guide examines everything you need to know about Lidl’s electric vehicle charging offerings, including pricing structures, charging speeds, location availability, and how it compares to other supermarket charging options.

Lidl EV Charging: Current Status in 2024

Lidl has been progressively rolling out EV charging stations across its UK stores since 2020 as part of its sustainability initiatives. Here’s the current landscape:

Key Statistics

• 150+ locations with charging stations (and growing)
• 7kW and 22kW AC chargers (most common)
• 50kW rapid chargers at select locations
• Pod Point as primary network provider
• Free charging at majority of locations

Lidl EV Charging Pricing Structure

Unlike many public charging networks, Lidl maintains a remarkably consumer-friendly approach:

Standard Pricing Model

Charger Type	Power	Cost	Session Limit
7kW AC	7.4kW	FREE	1-2 hours
22kW AC	22kW	FREE	1-2 hours
50kW DC Rapid	50kW	£0.30-£0.45/kWh	45 minutes

Note: Pricing and policies may vary slightly by location

Important Cost Considerations

1. Free Charging Conditions
   • Intended for customers while shopping
   • Typical 1-2 hour maximum stay
   • Some locations use number plate recognition
2. Rapid Charger Exceptions
   • Only about 15% of Lidl stores have rapid chargers
   • These follow standard Pod Point pricing
3. Regional Variations
   • Scottish locations may have different terms
   • Some urban stores implement time limits

How Lidl’s Pricing Compares to Other Supermarkets

Supermarket	AC Charging Cost	Rapid Charging Cost	Network
Lidl	Free	£0.30-£0.45/kWh	Pod Point
Tesco	Free (7kW)	£0.45/kWh	Pod Point
Sainsbury’s	Some free	£0.49/kWh	Various
Asda	Paid only	£0.50/kWh	BP Pulse
Waitrose	Free	£0.40/kWh	Shell Recharge

Lidl remains one of the most generous free charging providers

Finding Lidl Charging Stations

Location Tools

1. Pod Point App (shows real-time availability)
2. Zap-Map (filters for Lidl locations)
3. Lidl Store Locator (EV charging filter coming soon)
4. Google Maps (search “Lidl EV charging”)

Geographic Distribution

• Best coverage: Southeast England, Midlands
• Growing areas: Wales, Northern England
• Limited availability: Rural Scotland, Northern Ireland

Charging Speed & Practical Experience

What to Expect at Lidl Chargers

• 7kW Chargers: ~25 miles/hour (ideal for shopping trips)
• 22kW Chargers: ~60 miles/hour (best for longer stops)
• 50kW Rapid: ~100 miles in 30 minutes (rare at Lidl)

Typical Charging Session

1. Park in designated EV bay
2. Tap Pod Point RFID card or use app
3. Plug in and shop (30-60 minute typical stay)
4. Return to 20-80% charged vehicle

User Tips for Maximizing Lidl Charging

1. Timing Your Visit

• Early mornings often have available chargers
• Avoid weekends if possible

2. Shopping Strategy

• Plan for 45+ minute shops to gain meaningful charge
• Larger stores tend to have more chargers

3. Payment Methods

• Download Pod Point app for easiest access
• Contactless also available at most units

4. Etiquette

• Don’t overstay free charging periods
• Report faulty units to store staff

Future Developments

Lidl has announced plans to:

• Expand to 300+ charging locations by 2025
• Add more rapid chargers at strategic locations
• Introduce solar-powered charging at new stores
• Develop battery storage solutions to manage demand

The Bottom Line: Is Lidl EV Charging Worth It?

Best For:

✅ Top-up charging while grocery shopping
✅ Budget-conscious EV owners
✅ Urban drivers with limited home charging

Less Ideal For:

❌ Long-distance travelers needing rapid charging
❌ Those needing guaranteed charger availability
❌ Large battery EVs needing significant range

Final Cost Analysis

For a typical 30-minute shopping trip with a 60kWh EV:

• 7kW Charger: Free (+£0.50 electricity value)
• 22kW Charger: Free (+£1.50 electricity value)
• 50kW Charger: ~£6-£9 (30 minute session)

Compared to home charging at 15p/kWh (£4.50 for same energy), Lidl’s free AC charging offers real savings for regular users.

Expert Recommendation

“Lidl’s free charging network represents one of the best value public charging options in the UK. While not suitable as a primary charging solution, it’s perfect for combining essential grocery trips with valuable range top-ups—effectively making your weekly shop pay for some of your driving costs.” — EV Energy Consultant, James Wilkinson

As Lidl continues expanding its charging infrastructure, it’s establishing itself as a key destination for cost-conscious EV owners. Just remember to check your local store’s specific policies and charger availability before relying on it for your charging needs.