BYD Flash Charges To 97% In 9 Minutes, And KFC Just Figured Out What To Do With The Wait
A quick charge and a hot meal now go hand in hand as BYD expands its Flash Charging network with KFC locations
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by Brad Anderson
BYD opens its 5,000th fast charging station across China.
A new KFC tie-up links meals with rapid charging stops.
Expansion plans include thousands of sites across Europe.
In China’s growing EV market, convenience is starting to matter just as much as range or charging speed. BYD isn’t the type of company that does things in halves. Only a month after announcing its new 1,500 kW charging technology, it has opened its 5,000th Flash Charging station in and partnered with KFC to broaden its footprint.
Through a collaboration with the fast-food giant, will establish so-called ‘9-minute drive-thru’ areas at KFC locations across the country, referencing the Flash Chargers’ ability to take one of the firm’s EVs from 10-97 percent in just nine minutes. The partnership is being developed with Yum China, the operator behind KFC’s extensive local network.
Read: BYD Says Its New Battery Can Recharge As Fast As Filling Up Your Gas Tank
For owners who enjoy grabbing a burger or fried chicken on the go, the deal makes practical sense. It also mirrors similar partnerships in the US involving Volvo, Mercedes, and Starbucks, where charging points have been added to many of the coffee chain’s stores.
To simplify ordering, the KFC app will be integrated into BYD infotainment systems. When an order is placed through the screen, the vehicle’s location is tracked as it approaches the nearest KFC, ensuring the food is ready and hot on arrival.
Flash Charging Goes Global
BYD has not said how many KFC locations will receive Flash Chargers, but it aims to install 20,000 stations across China by the end of the year. The company also plans to roll out 6,000 Flash Charging stations outside China throughout 2026, including 3,000 across Europe.
The Flash Charging stations can be configured similarly to traditional gas stations. According to BYD, vehicles equipped with its second-generation blade battery can charge from 10-70 percent in just 5 minutes and from 10-97 percent in nine minutes. The company also highlights performance in cold conditions, stating that vehicles can charge from 20-97 percent in 12 minutes even at -22° F (-30° C).
