Yum China to Add 9-Minute Flash Chargers at 13,000 KFC Drive-Thrus
Yum China Holdings signed a strategic cooperation with BYD to install flash-charging units at its 13,000 KFC drive-thru outlets across 2,500 Chinese cities. The deal leverages BYD’s second-generation Blade battery for 9-minute 10%–97% charges and integrates voice-order technology to boost drive-thru traffic.
1. Strategic Cooperation Agreement
Yum China Holdings and BYD signed a strategic cooperation at BYD’s Shenzhen headquarters to install flash-charging equipment at KFC drive-thru locations nationwide. The agreement formalizes a ‘one-stop human and vehicle refueling’ concept designed to align nine-minute charging with typical drive-thru waits.
2. Flash Charging and Ordering Technology
The partnership leverages BYD’s second-generation Blade battery, which charges from 10% to 97% in nine minutes. An integrated in-car voice ordering feature allows drivers to browse menus, pay, set pickup times and receive route-based arrival alerts at equipped stations.
3. Network Reach and Expansion Targets
Yum China operates roughly 13,000 KFC outlets across 2,500 cities, while BYD’s flash charging network currently spans over 5,000 stations. BYD aims to expand its network to 20,000 stations by the end of 2026, tapping into high-traffic KFC drive-thrus.
4. Potential Impact on Yum China
Co-locating EV chargers with KFC drive-thrus could increase customer dwell time and drive-thru transaction volumes. The enhanced service offering may boost same-store sales and differentiate KFC locations in a competitive fast-food market.