Tesla removing lifetime subscriptions for navigation, more

Tesla has removed another feature from its cars, but it’ll only affect owners who hold onto their vehicles for a long time.

Vehicles ordered after July 20, 2022 will have Standard Connectivity for eight years – not for the lifetime of the vehicle, as was previously the case.

Likewise, used vehicles purchased from Tesla will only have eight years’ coverage for this service.

Standard Connectivity gives owners access to basic maps and navigation.

It differs from the optional Premium Connectivity, which builds on that with live traffic data, satellite view maps, an internet browser, and other features like Caraoke and video streaming.

The eight years start from the date the vehicle was delivered or put into service (for example, as a demonstrator), whichever comes first.

The change affects vehicles in Australia, as well as in other markets – as had previously been reported by Teslarati.

Beyond the eight-year mark, you’ll need a subscription for Standard Connectivity.

While subscription prices for 2030 are unsurprisingly not yet available, Tesla currently charges $9.99 per month for Premium Connectivity.

“Without Standard Connectivity, access to some connectivity features, including those that use cellular data or third-party licenses, may be changed or removed,” Tesla says on its website.

“These Standard Connectivity features that may change currently include maps, navigation, voice commands and more.”

Premium Connectivity was previously included for the lifetime of the vehicle, before Tesla dropped this for vehicles ordered on or before June 30, 2019.

It’s unclear if this latest move points to Tesla introducing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Some companies, like GWM Haval and Mitsubishi, don’t offer satellite navigation – even in various up-spec models – and instead owners must rely on the included smartphone mirroring.

The removal of Standard Connectivity follows Tesla’s recent removal of the home charge cable from all new vehicles, ostensibly to reduce waste but also likely a way to save the company money.