There is no reason why they would have done this. Plenty of opportunity to create their own slow charging network. They were about to set up a way to pay for the energy, but instead chose to shut it down. In Chicago we’re in seriously need for more charging options. Is anyone interested in discussing how to create a new network, or to push to have these old Volta stations turned back on?
Could’ve sold them to someone. But no, like the EV1 they must be dismantled and destroyed.
These were likely paid for with government stimulus money. If We had a different administration in power, they might have something to say about that (like clawing back a refund).
I think what we need is to get people together and work towards creating a new network using the cheapest most advanced available technology. Don’t worry so much about fast charging because it’s expensive, just strategically placed micro slow charging in parking lots of grocery stores. Make a deal where you split the profits or something.