BYD partners with KFC China for 9-minute EV charging and dining experience
BYD and KFC China officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement on April 8 at BYD’s global headquarters in Shenzhen, aiming to integrate KFC’s drive-thru service into BYD’s modern mobility ecosystem, focusing on in-vehicle ordering and flash charging infrastructure at restaurant locations. Both parties are working to create a “9-minute one-stop human and vehicle refuelling” scenario.
Under the agreement, BYD will first introduce KFC’s intelligent drive-thru ordering function on its Fang Cheng Bao Ti7 model, with plans to gradually expand to more mainstream models across the group. Users can complete meal selection, payment, and pickup reservations through voice commands while driving.
The in-car system will also enable synchronisation between the driving route and the meal pickup process: as the vehicle nears the restaurant, the system automatically triggers a pickup reminder, providing a “smart-driven arrival, instant pickup” zero-wait experience.
The collaboration will see BYD’s flash charging technology integrated into select KFC drive-thru locations nationwide. When users arrive at participating restaurants, they can plug in to charge while picking up their meals. With BYD’s second-generation blade battery and flash charging technology, vehicles can charge from 10% to 97% in just 9 minutes – approximately the same time needed for a quick meal.
Li Yunfei, General Manager of BYD’s Brand and Public Relations Department, stated that the company has already built over 5,000 flash charging stations nationwide. “By the end of 2026, we plan to construct 20,000 flash charging stations, making flash charging a nationwide infrastructure for car life,” he added.
Editor’s comment
In the global market, McDonald’s has more locations than KFC. However, the opposite is true in China: since KFC entered the market before McDonald’s, it has twice as many stores, making it the largest foreign fast-food chain in China.
Partnering with a fast-food brand like KFC would really help the public wrap their heads around BYD’s “9-minute full charge” capability, though you probably wouldn’t even have enough time for a bathroom break.
