E-car: Tesla makes complete navigation function chargeable

In order to be able to generate income in the lucrative aftersales area, more and more car manufacturers are relying on subscription models. The German premium brands Audi, BMW and Mercedes are already pushing ahead. BMW already sells seat heating either as a subscription or permanently activated. In addition to the subscription for 17 euros per month, you can also activate the seat heating unlimitedly for 385 euros, if the previous owner bought the preparation. Tesla is also involved in this area. From now on, all new cars from the American car manufacturer will only be equipped with a navigation system that can only be used to a limited extent.

Tesla is slashing functionality from the free standard connectivity package

So far, every Tesla driver has been able to use the built-in navigation system free of charge for the life of the car and also run the web browser and music streaming from the smartphone via a WLAN hotspot. Only for the display of satellite maps, real-time traffic news, apps and for the web browser via the vehicle SIM card did you have to take out a so-called premium package for just under ten euros a month. However, this premium connectivity package could be tested free of charge for 12 months after the Tesla was first registered. Now the Californians have stated in a statement that this option is no longer applicable.

All Tesla vehicles produced since July 20, 2022 will only receive the standard connectivity package for eight years from initial registration, which only contains the navigation function and use of the web browser via smartphone hotspot. For example, if you want to use real-time traffic information, you have to for all Tesla vehicles built immediately a monthly subscription for around ten euros to lock. Incidentally, Tesla categorically excludes refunds, since the premium connectivity subscription can be canceled at any time, according to the manufacturer. Unlike other automakers, Tesla doesn’t allow Apple Carplay or Android Auto. Who apps for e.g. If you want to use Spotify, for example, you have to download a kind of web app via the Linux-based Tesla infotainment system and also need the premium connectivity package.

With the new versions of the BMW X1 and BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, the automaker is testing – in some countries – a new sales model for special equipment. The prerequisite is a car with the Linux distribution BMW Operating System 8.0, which will gradually find its way into all new BMW vehicles and is manufactured by BMW Car IT GmbH in cooperation with suppliers such as Garmin. According to the price list from July 2022, there will be preparations for seat heating and steering wheel heating for both vehicle models built at the end of 2022. For example, the 2-series Active Tourer has the “preparation for seat heating for driver/front passenger” (equipment code 9QT) for an extra charge, whereby BMW writes “activation in the BMW shop on the Internet, via the My BMW app or in your vehicle is possible later for a fee”.

Also worth reading: Automotive: Hackers want to unlock BMW seat heating & Co

Collection of paid navigation function in new Tesla electric cars:

• All Tesla vehicles produced since July 20, 2022 will only receive the standard connectivity package for eight years from initial registration, which only contains the navigation function and the web browser via smartphone hotspot.
• To use real-time traffic information, satellite maps or music streaming services in the Tesla, the premium connectivity package is required. This package can be booked for around ten euros per month.
• Incidentally, Tesla categorically excludes refunds, since you can cancel the premium connectivity subscription at any time.

Source: Tesla