Beijing — Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Yum China Holdings to combine fast food and ultra-fast EV charging into a single seamless experience.
The collaboration will see BYD and KFC China roll out a network of innovative “nine-minute” drive-thru stations, allowing drivers to recharge their vehicles and pick up meals in the time it takes to grab fast food.
Fast Food Meets Fast Charging
At the heart of the initiative is BYD’s second-generation Blade battery technology, which the company claims can charge up to 97% in just nine minutes. The concept aims to eliminate one of the biggest concerns among EV users — long charging times.
Drivers will be able to stop at designated KFC outlets, charge their vehicles rapidly, and collect their orders — all within a single short visit.
Smart Ordering Integration
The partnership also introduces a new smart ordering system integrated into BYD vehicles. This feature enables users to:
- Order food directly from the car’s onboard system
- Locate nearby KFC charging stations along their route
- Optimize stops for both charging and dining
The feature will first roll out in BYD’s passenger EV lineup, starting with the Fangchengbao Ti7 SUV.
Expanding Charging Infrastructure
BYD has been aggressively expanding its charging network across China. The company recently completed its 5,000th fast-charging station and plans to scale up to 20,000 stations by the end of the year.
This initiative aligns with China’s broader push to enhance EV infrastructure and encourage adoption amid growing competition in the domestic market.
Market Pressures and Competition
Despite remaining China’s leading EV manufacturer, BYD has faced recent challenges, including declining sales and increased competition from domestic rivals such as Geely and emerging EV brands.
The company reported a drop in first-quarter sales and its first annual profit decline since 2021, reflecting broader trends in China’s EV market, including oversupply and reduced government subsidies.
Why KFC?
The partnership leverages the massive footprint of KFC China, operated by Yum China, which runs nearly 13,000 outlets across more than 2,500 cities.
Fast food plays a major role in urban life in China, making it an ideal partner for integrating lifestyle convenience with EV infrastructure.
Industry experts say this combination of food, technology, and mobility could redefine how consumers perceive charging stops — transforming them from a delay into a quick, productive experience.
