If they do this, I would like to see free lifetime data for early preorders, LE or not. Not everyone who supported Rivian in the early days wanted an LE. They have our preorder dates.
I would not even be interested in their data if Android Auto was available. Keep it free until they accommodate the two standards, Android and Apple, which both work considerably better than Alexa for every function I have used.Just read in one of the facebook group that free data plan is ending in 3 months. Haven’t received any email from Rivian. Anyone has more information about this?
I really hope they offer hotspot plan. My kids are now spoiled with free hotspot.
There is not.
I've actually read some commentary on this topic a while back and from the little bit that I piced together from that, my understanding is that the EV makers like Rivian and Tesla (and honestly probably even some of the newer, more tech-forward ICE vehicles) rely on the cellular connection for some of the basic vehicle functions (OTA updates, error reports, basic app functionality, etc.) at a much deeper level than legacy vehicles did, so the manufacturers are keeping at least some cellular connectivity in place even for those who don't subscribe (which, of course entails some monthly cost to the manufacturers). Even on EVs, basic subscribers lose some features (like hotspot & likely entertainment / navigation data) if they don't have a user-paid subscription, and putting those features behind a reasonably priced plan is intended to both reduce company-paid data costs & further increase take rates for user-paid subscriptions.
Connectivity is already built into the price because Rivian and Tesla require it for the vehicles to work back end things like trip planning etc. They want as much telemetry as well as the car will give them to see what features customers use, and don't to ensure their software is designed with the end user in mind.
Looks better for shareholders and other potential investors to be able to say “we have $XXXX of recurring income every month with XXXX paid subscriber base that is already acquired.”
If they offered AA/CP there would be absolutely no need for me to use their data. But IMHO that’s the whole point and why they won’t offer alternatives. We’re a very captive audience without any other viable solutions.
This 100% I was about to say the same thing. When I can watch a movie while charging I may actually have a use for the data in the truck at that point you can charge me. Until then I feel like the data they are collecting off of me is worth more to them then the cell service, Hotspot I dont use is to me.
