KFC to roll out electric vehicle charging points at 450 sites

KFC UK & Ireland is to roll out rapid electric vehicle charging points at up to 450 of its restaurants across the country.

In a partnership with EV charging firm InstaVolt, the fast-food giant intends to install the points in both company-owned and franchise stores in coming months.

With existing chargers at restaurants in Sheffield, Nottingham, Rotherham and Crewe, the business is targeting regions including London, Hampshire and Birmingham for the roll out.

According to Instavolt, the chargers are 50kW and have a125kW rapid-charging function. They are compatible with most models and operate an ‘open charger’ pay-as-you-go offer at a current rate of 35p per kWh of charge.

KFC UK & Ireland’s chief development officer Matthew McCormick said the installation of EV chargers is “strategically very important” to the business.

“We are committed to sustainability, and installing electric vehicle rapid chargers at our restaurants is strategically very important,” he said. “Reducing pollution and harmful emissions is a major priority and giving our loyal fans the opportunity to enjoy our iconic fried chicken while charging their electric cars is a perfect combination.”

The move follows a similar announcement from McDonald’s earlier this year.

Also working with InstaVolt, McDonald’s has said it intends to install chargers at every drive-thru restaurant in the UK, accounting for around 1,300 locations.