[jopsen]

> I wouldn't be surprised if 10 years from now the US government will declare Tesla a charging monopoly.

Just asking a stupid question: isn't setting up a charging station relatively easy?

I mean is the barrier to entry not pretty low? Compared to say conventional gas stations, there are fewer dangerous things, etc.

The only barrier I see is that each charger network might want their own app, etc. Providing a poor UX. But that's entirely fixable, I already see contact-less card payments at gas stations today -- other charging networks could do the same.

What is the moat?

[SideburnsOfDoom]

> The only barrier I see is that each charger network might want their own app, etc.

It is noteworthy in this regard that part of the EU mandate for a charger network is "without requiring an app or subscription"... "They must also accept contactless payment and provide full pricing and live charge point availability information through ‘electronic means’ such as an app or sat nav system."

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/88920/electric-car-chargi...

https://www.theverge.com/23806690/eu-ev-fast-charger-60km-la...

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/07/eus-law-mandates-fast...

[SOLAR_FIELDS]

Tangent, I would love to see more contactless card payments available at gas stations. Using the strip is incredibly insecure. Where I live there are constant stories of people getting their details stolen via skimmers. We even have a list of gas stations to avoid paying at pump because they are so notorious for it.

Unbelievably, half the time when the NFC symbol is available on gas station machines it doesn't even work. About the only time I can reliably expect to pay contactless at the pump in Texas is at huge chains like QT and/or travel stations like Pilot/Flying J

[tim333]

Getting the power company to provide suitable electric lines to your location can be a bit of a business.