Owning an electric vehicle sounds great, until you’re stuck waiting around for it to charge. But what if that is no longer a problem? What if that wait could disappear or at least feel like it? That’s exactly what BYD is trying to solve with an unexpected fast-food goliath as a partner.
BYD is a Shenzhen-based multinational conglomerate in China founded in 1994. Initially a battery maker, it has grown into the world’s largest plug-in EV manufacturer through its unit BYD Auto (founded 2003), with automotive revenue exceeding 80% by 2023. On top of that, BYD reported that it concluded 2023 with a record 3 million annual sales, leading the global NEV Market
BYD is vertically integrated, also producing batteries, electronics, semiconductors, solar panels, and rail systems. In a move that blends convenience with innovation, the EV giant is rolling out “nine-minute” drive-thru charging stations across China. Here, drivers can recharge their cars while grabbing a meal.
It may sound simple. But this could be a turning point for EV adoption, tackling time, as one of the biggest frustrations drivers face today.
Because let’s be honest, if charging becomes as fast (and effortless) as grabbing fast food, what’s left holding EVs back?
BYD partners with KFC to solve EV charging delays
BYD’s new collaboration with KFC aims to create a seamless “feed and fuel” experience for drivers. All in under 10 minutes.
Through this partnership, drivers will be able to stop at designated KFC locations, order food, and charge their vehicles at the same time. The goal is actually simple. To make charging feel less like waiting and more like a natural part of daily life.
Related: Uber Eats will now deliver more than just food to you
Here’s where things get interesting. BYD is also rolling out a smart ordering system that allows drivers to place KFC orders directly from their vehicle’s onboard interface. The system can even guide users to nearby drive-thru charging locations along their route.
Think about that for a second. You’re driving, your car suggests a stop, you order food from your dashboard, and by the time your meal is ready, your car is nearly fully charged. In fact, that’s not just convenience. That’s a reimagining of the entire EV experience.
Shutterstock
BYD’s fast-charging tech could also rival gasoline refueling
This bold idea only works because of BYD’s rapid advancements in charging technology. As BYD reports, BYD’s second-generation Blade battery is designed to reach up to 97% charge in about nine minutes. And with its newer flash-charging platform, BYD is pushing even further.
We’re talking about charging speeds that can deliver roughly 400 kilometers of range in just five minutes. Putting EV charging times in the same range as traditional gasoline refueling.
Related: Waymo ride quietly arrives in a new key U.S. city
That’s been the missing piece for years. For many drivers, the biggest hesitation around EVs isn’t range, but charging time. If that gap disappears, the entire equation changes.
According to BYD, with support of ultra-high voltage (1000V) and ultra-high current (1000A), BYD’s “Flash Charging Battery” can achieve the world’s largest mass-produced charging power of 1 megawatt (1000kW), and a peak charging speed of 2 kilometers per second.
So, BYD is betting that speed, paired with convenience, will remove that final barrier. On March 31, BYD announced the completion of its 5,000th flash charging station in China. That’s on top of its plans to construct a total of 20,000 by the end of the year.
A changing EV market puts pressure on innovation
This move also comes at a critical time for BYD. Despite remaining China’s leading EV manufacturer, the company is facing rising competition and a cooling domestic market.
First-quarter sales dropped about 30% year over year, reflecting broader challenges across China’s EV sector, including oversupply and reduced government subsidies.
Related: Boeing lands another huge military deal
Its shares are also down roughly 20% over the past year. At the same time, competitors like Geely and Stellantis-backed brands are stepping up their game, forcing BYD to innovate beyond just vehicles.
And that’s exactly what this partnership represents. Instead of competing only on price or performance, BYD is competing on experience.
Rising fuel costs are also boosting global EV demand
While China’s domestic market faces pressure, global trends are starting to shift in BYD’s favor. Electric vehicle exports from China surged 140% year over year in March, reaching a record 349,000 units. Reason behind the surge? Higher fuel prices driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This factor alone is pushing more consumers toward EVs as a cost-saving alternative.
That demand is already showing up in key markets, with increased showroom traffic across Asia and record EV sales in regions like the UK. So while short-term challenges remain, the long-term trend is clear. Consumers are still moving toward electrification, especially when fuel prices spike.
More Automotive:
- Hyundai admits deadly defect caused more injuries than previously known
- Consumer Reports names 5 popular EVs with the best real-world range
- Uber targets 50,000 robotaxis in major Rivian, Nvidia deals
BYD’s partnership with KFC might seem like a clever marketing idea. But it’s actually much more than that.
It’s so evident that BYD is tackling one of the biggest pain points in EV ownership and turning it into something almost effortless. If charging becomes as quick and routine as grabbing a meal, then more drivers will finally make the switch. And both you and I know that in the race for EV dominance, solving the “waiting problem” might actually be the move that changes everything.
Related: Amazon quietly makes surprising move into weight-related problems
