> Also, they already have the advantage of real estate. They know that they can add a charging network cheaply in their gas stations than a new player in town building one.
Then why buy up charging networks? Why not just develop their own? Genuine question.
It’s a good way to bootstrap. They will also acquire the technical know how to retrofit parts of their gas stations with EV charging stations. They either way need to spend money so why not just spend it to acquire the tech and infrastructure to gain time.
As far as acquisitions go this makes so much business sense. Same domain, complementary user base and technology, and with great growth opportunity.
Then why buy up charging networks? Why not just develop their own? Genuine question.