Free LTE Connectivity to end this month

[SANZC02]

6 years sounds crazy good to me but I also live in Oregon so we don't get quite as much sun so those numbers probably are not too common. I think they quoted me 11 years when I first got my system but that was based on non-TOU that I was running then at~0.14/kWh and whatever inflation they assumed.

I have an 8kW system that is nearly perfectly oriented south with no physical obstruction. I have produced ~1MWh/year the last two years so the 11 year estimate seems reasonable, my cost was around $14k after federal and state credits. Also I am unlikely to live here forever so ultimately it will depend on how the solar panels effect my selling price.

Yes, under 6 years was a no brainer for me. We have a battery on the system and run the house off the battery during peak rates.

We are just over 2 years since the install, rates went up since the install and we are actually ahead of the payback schedule. Between NEM credits and SoCal climate credits, I’ve literally paid the power company $27 since the installation including EV charging and we have had the R1S since January.

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[LivingInKaos]

6 years sounds crazy good to me but I also live in Oregon so we don't get quite as much sun so those numbers probably are not too common. I think they quoted me 11 years when I first got my system but that was based on non-TOU that I was running then at~0.14/kWh and whatever inflation they assumed.

I have an 8kW system that is nearly perfectly oriented south with no physical obstruction. I have produced ~1MWh/year the last two years so the 11 year estimate seems reasonable, my cost was around $14k after federal and state credits. Also I am unlikely to live here forever so ultimately it will depend on how the solar panels effect my selling price.

I've never asked you, does your system track? I've been thinking of adding tracking to mine, but it would take a bit of doing for what I have. Living in the hills, my evening sun gets cut off about an hour earlier than probably you, so I can use whatever extra I can get being I'm completely off-grid. I am able to offset the lack at night after a low sun volume day by plugging the truck in and charging the system at 1500w ( not really that high, the Rivian inverter is not actually true 1500w) as opposed to running the generator.

 

[jjswan33]

I've never asked you, does your system track? I've been thinking of adding tracking to mine, but it would take a bit of doing for what I have. Living in the hills, my evening sun gets cut off about an hour earlier than probably you, so I can use whatever extra I can get being I'm completely off-grid. I am able to offset the lack at night after a low sun volume day by plugging the truck in and charging the system at 1500w ( not really that high, the Rivian inverter is not actually true 1500w) as opposed to running the generator.

No tracking. I don't think that type of system would pay off in my case due to my due south facing roof line, while I am sure I would add some generation in the morning and evening the cost and complexity would likely not be worth it.

 

[Iwannarivian]

This is why it's important to have Carplay or AA. Unless you pay for data, you lose the voice assistant and music, except for FM and Bluetooth. Plus, I'm sure more things are dependant on the connection.

Yeah, like navigation…

wonder how much LTE it will be per month and if you can add your car to some other carrier like Verizon (or whatever your current provider is) so you don’t have to juggle multiple carriers?

 

[HighVoltOverland]

I'd just go back to a horse and buggy. No need to rely on mechanical propulsion.

Jokes on you, big Metal has monopolized Farrier-As-A-Service since the Truman administration.

It's all the matrix maaaaan

 

[HighVoltOverland]

That really depends on what on-peak rates are. I also pay a ridiculously low 0.04/kWh between 10pm - 7am but I also have solar and the PV system completely offsets my on-peak (0.22/kWh)/mid-peak(0.17/kWh) usage. Though it wouldn't pay to add more solar to offset my additional usage at the off-peak times.

Your on peak is cheaper than my EV-discounted mega-off-peak rates

 

[Brewbud]

I will likely end up paying. Streaming music by Bluetooth sounds like crap on this system. My 2020 Cummins allows me to tether my phone for music so it is lossless so I did drop their service. It was $199 per year just for remote start and lock/unlock. Another $50 if you wanted the security package with vehicle theft recovery assistance.

 

[emoore]

I don't expect to start paying on Jan 1st 2024. Rivian said free RAN charing would end in April and it took until October to implement it.

 

[Southern R1S]

As a proud Rivian owner. I would like to see Rivian consider offering the free LTE Connectivity to customers who bought their vehicles before these changes take effect. This gesture would not only show appreciation for early adopters but also reinforce Rivian's commitment to customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Here are a few reasons why I believe providing complimentary LTE Connectivity for earlier customers is worth considering:

1. Loyalty and Early Adoption: Many of us took a leap of faith in embracing Rivian's vision early on. Offering free LTE Connectivity would acknowledge and appreciate the loyalty of those who believed in Rivian from the outset.
2. Enhanced Customer Experience: A connected vehicle is a key aspect of the modern driving experience. Providing free LTE Connectivity would contribute to a seamless and enjoyable ownership experience, aligning with Rivian's dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.
3. Positive Community Impact: This gesture could have a positive ripple effect throughout the Rivian community, fostering a sense of unity and loyalty among owners.

If they were going to "grandfather" anyone in (which I don't think they should), I think it should only apply to post-hike buyers who reserved before the announcement.

As a pre-hike (grandfathered pricing) owner myself, Rivian has already gone above & beyond and taken a meaningful profit hit by honoring the pre-hike pricing on my R1S. I'm fine paying a reasonable charge for the LTE service Rivian has to pay a carrier for -- and grateful that they covered that charge on their dime for me for any duration.

Rivian doesn't need to take any additional losses on me to retain the goodwill they've already earned for listening to customer outcry & reverting the March 2022 hike on early reservations. Very few other companies would have done the same in that situation.

(Note: I do, however, agree that they should at least enable tethering to phones and hotspots and/or unlock the eSIM once they do start charging so customers at least have the option to buy the service somewhere else).

 

[portdirect]

If they were going to "grandfather" anyone in (which I don't think they should), I think it should only apply to post-hike buyers who reserved before the announcement.

As a pre-hike (grandfathered pricing) owner myself, Rivian has already gone above & beyond and taken a meaningful profit hit by honoring the pre-hike pricing on my R1S. I'm fine paying a reasonable charge for the LTE service Rivian has to pay a carrier for -- and grateful that they covered that charge on their dime for me for any duration.

Rivian doesn't need to take any additional losses on me to retain the goodwill they've already earned for listening to customer outcry & reverting the March 2022 hike on early reservations. Very few other companies would have done the same in that situation.

(Note: I do, however, agree that they should at least enable tethering to phones and hotspots and/or unlock the eSIM once they do start charging so customers at least have the option to buy the service somewhere else).

They wont offer unlocking of the eSIM - as per the recent announcement from Rivian/ATT: ATT will remain the exclusive wireless provider for Rivian.

I expect LTE, with unlimited data and hotspot, to come in at $120 per year - as this is what ATT offer to anyone off the street with an ATT Phone to Volvo, Ford etc (https://www.att.com/plans/in-car-wifi/). Anything more would be pretty egregious.

 

[Dark-Fx]

I'm still wondering if the data they get from the trucks being always connected is valuable enough to them to pay for basic connectivity. Then put all the streaming stuff, hotspot, etc behind a paywall.

 

[milliemc]

I would not worry about it until they provide details. They will maintain some connectivity, what that ends up being remains to be seen, probably advanced functions like the hotspot will be on the pay list.

Here as an example from the Tesla premium connectivity plan

Standard Connectivity:

• Tesla Over-the-air (OTA) Updates
• Bluetooth Capability
• Navigation (WiFi + LTE)

Premium Connectivity (includes everything in Standard, plus the following):

• Live Traffic Visualization
• Satellite-View Maps
• Video Streaming (WiFi + LTE)
• Music Streaming (WiFi + LTE)
• Internet Browser (WiFi + LTE)

We have a Tesla 2020 Model 3 and don't have the connectivity they offer. Had it andound we weren't using it. We just plug in our iPhones and use them for music. Navigation has been fine. Why else do you need it?

 

[SANZC02]

We have a Tesla 2020 Model 3 and don't have the connectivity they offer. Had it andound we weren't using it. We just plug in our iPhones and use them for music. Navigation has been fine. Why else do you need it?

Not sure anyone really needs it but some people may want some of the streaming or live satellite/traffic data.

One thing Tesla did a few years ago, at least on our Model S was open up WiFi connections while driving so people can connect to a mobile hotspot while driving. Right now Rivian only allows the vehicle to use WiFi connections in park.

 

[Hillbilly]

Like Tesla, there's a good chance Rivian will charge the same $99/year for the LTE service.

You would get rid of your $90K Rivian due to $99/year LTE service? And if so.. what vehicle would you purchase that includes free LTE service?

If I'm forced to pay for att? Yes. I will sell my Rivian

 

[Hillbilly]

That seems a bit extreme. So you would get rid of your Rivian if they charged you a fee of $100 a year or perhaps a bit more?

Yes.

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