BYD & KFC Team Up For Flash Charging While You Eat. What Would You Like While Charging?

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BYD recently announced a Flash Charging partnership with KFC in China. The second generation Flash Chargers (BYD terminology for chargers capable of over 1 MW) were launched last month and will be installed at KFC locations throughout China. They claim a “dual replenishment” model, where drivers can place an order and pay in the in-vehicle app while they navigate to the charger and have the food ready when they arrive. Eating and a full recharge would then both be completed in less than 9 minutes.

Although Mixue is the largest fast food chain in the world by locations, they are focused on drinks and ice cream. KFC, part of Yum China, is considered to be the largest fast food restaurant serving meals. Compared to the US, their menu is a little different, including burgers, noodles, congee, egg tarts, bubble tea, and localized flavors.

Personally, I hate eating in my car, between potential spills and crumbs. Although KFC’s other offerings are a little easier to manage, the thought of the traditional fried chicken breading, greasy fingers, and bones in the car is not something I want to deal with. But I do not have kids and realize that I am not the norm. Many people will likely find this very convenient. In one of the promo shots, BYD showed a little picnic area, and I would personally appreciate the ability to dine next to my car. In addition, many new BYD vehicles also have heated and cooled compartments that could be used to take the food with you.

I also see a few potential challenges with coordinating the chargers. Would people reserve the chargers? There is a good chance that their car will not need a full recharge and could charge faster. Would people move part way through their snack? 9 minutes already isn’t much time to eat. In addition, while BYD is rapidly rolling flash charging out across their lineup, there are also slower charging vehicles on the road. Would there be a time limit or other incentive to move along after 9 minutes?

While there are issues that need to be figured out, this partnership is poised to greatly increase the number of flash chargers in China. In addition, Yum China has the Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Lavazza brands, which could expand the number of charging locations further. They also have some hot pot restaurant brands, but that might work better for slower charging while you dine inside. What would have once been just a parking spot for the restaurant can now also quickly charge vehicles. Flash charging is already being deployed at a rapid rate, and this could accelerate it further. In addition, due to the battery capacity added to the chargers, the rapid deployment could also help to stabilize loads on the grid.

What Would You Want While You Charge?

Overall, a dual-purpose stop has a lot of appeal. Faster charging combines with faster food orders that can be delivered faster. Technology can streamline the process, making charging potentially more convenient than just picking up food from the drive through.

However, it raises the question: What kind of fast food would you want at a charging station? While I don’t like eating in the car, I am dependent on coffee to function. With BYD opening 20 dealerships in Canada as part of their expansion, Tim Horton’s would make sense. If you needed food and wanted something a little healthier, maybe something like Panera in the US?

If you were to have 5-9 minutes for charging in conjunction with a restaurant (other service), what would you choose?