Free data ending soon?

[R1TS]

Given the current state of connected features on the Rivian, there’s not much to lose with losing free data.

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[BigE]

The vehicle does not require a connection to be operational. Some optional features require a data connection and this requires connection to additional infrastructure in order to operate. This connection is not free for Rivian (they pay AT&T for the connection), and it is reasonable for this cost to be passed on to, or shared with, the consumer of the service.

So what besides a "hotspot" does their AT&T connection allow for the R1's? I've never had a need for Rivians's hotspot.

 

[R1Maybe]

About $100 per year would be very cheap relative to the competition. I was expecting somewhere around $15 per month.

Tesla is $99 per year so I wouldn’t expect Rivian to be much higher.

 

[Rivdog]

Tesla is $99 per year so I wouldn’t expect Rivian to be much higher.

No kidding? I never owned a Tesla and didn’t realize it was so cheap! The legacy manufacturers typically charge as little as $15 per month but up to $25 depending on whether you already have service with AT&T. If not, it seems that you usually have to pay $25 month to month or you can prepay six months or more at $20 per month. I’m sure there are other variables, but that’s what I’m familiar with.

 

[SASSquatch]

About $100 per year would be very cheap relative to the competition. I was expecting somewhere around $15 per month.

$100 per year is ~ what Tesla charges. Seems exactly in line with competition.

 

[NineElectrics]

About $100 per year would be very cheap relative to the competition. I was expecting somewhere around $15 per month.

It’s reasonable if they allow hotspots with a large data allowance. Otherwise it’s too much for the low data rates the car will use. Streaming services will already pay Rivian for their data use.

 

[godfodder0901]

So what besides a "hotspot" does their AT&T connection allow for the R1's? I've never had a need for Rivians's hotspot.

Satellite view in maps, streaming music, Adaptive Cruise Control, Highway Assist, OTAs when not in WiFi, and many future features I'd bet.

 

[HokieBird7980]

He was referring to using Wi-Fi tethering to provide data to the vehicle. Your in-vehicle hotspot will still work for free through the end of the year.

Well i just completed and end to end three day adventure on the Blue Ridge Parkway and Hotspot did not work anywhere i camped. i thought the whole purpose of Hotspot was to get data/internet when you were in remote places not normally covered by your cell service provider.

 

[emoore]

Well i just completed and end to end three day adventure on the Blue Ridge Parkway and Hotspot did not work anywhere i camped. i thought the whole purpose of Hotspot was to get data/internet when you were in remote places not normally covered by your cell service provider.

If att doesn’t have service in those places then the hotspot won’t work. It’s just like any other cell service.

 

[KeithPleas]

...unless they mean free wifi hotspot. That is something I have no use for and never even tried.

I have found that very useful - my Rivian often has cell connectivity in semi-remote areas like mountain passes when my phone doesn't (both on AT&T). And the grandkids use it for their devices / games which don't have cellular plans.

 

[godfodder0901]

Well i just completed and end to end three day adventure on the Blue Ridge Parkway and Hotspot did not work anywhere i camped. i thought the whole purpose of Hotspot was to get data/internet when you were in remote places not normally covered by your cell service provider.

Yeah, the hotspot still relies on cellular coverage. It will generally have better gain than your cell phone, but if there is no AT&T coverage (as others have stated), there is no internet for the hotspot.

 

[HokieBird7980]

Yeah, the hotspot still relies on cellular coverage. It will generally have better gain than your cell phone, but if there is no AT&T coverage (as others have stated), there is no internet for the hotspot.

Thanks for the clarity on this point. Was totally under the impression that it was linked to some satellite service other than typical networks like a sat phone would do. Good to know that i shouldn't rely on it if stuck somewhere off the grid!

 

[MidnightRivian]

There’s no such thing as free lunch, even with the launch edition.

I can see them charging $9.99 a month for the basic plan and $14.99 a month for the Advanced plan.

The advanced plan would waive your session fee at the Rivian adventure networks, but still charge a per kilowatt fee, maybe even at a discounted rate.

You would get discounts if you sign up for the year instead of paying monthly and maybe if Bezos is in a good mood, you might get another dollar off per month with your prime membership.

 

[jjswan33]

The advanced plan would waive your session fee at the Rivian adventure networks, but still charge a per kilowatt fee, maybe even at a discounted rate.

Please don’t encourage ‘session fees’ for charging. IMO they are a cancer on EV charging and the main reason I have never used an EVGO charger. Why charge people with smaller batteries or who need to charge for shorter times more money?

So far in my experience the only places that have session fees are EVGO and unique 3rd party chargers that have no competition.

 

[MidnightRivian]

Please don’t encourage ‘session fees’ for charging. IMO they are a cancer on EV charging and the main reason I have never used an EVGO charger. Why charge people with smaller batteries or who need to charge for shorter times more money?

So far in my experience the only places that have session fees are EVGO and unique 3rd party chargers that have no competition.

Your other option is higher but flat per kWh fee. 10 cent price difference between basic and advanced plan.

I can see Rivian rolling out pricing like the below.

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