TeslaFi / ElectraFi pricing doubled (Edit: clerical error, not actually doubled)

[beatle]

A few months ago TeslaFi / ElectraFi changed from an annual to a monthly subscription model as they worked out what their new pricing structure would be since Tesla is starting to charge for their API. As a user this was effectively zero change from a cost perspective.

But this morning I was checking my credit card and noticed my TeslaFi subscription went up to $7.99/mo. I received no email from TeslaFi about this effective doubling of the cost, but I did find this blog post:

https://support.teslafi.com/knowledge-bases/2/articles/29923-teslafi-2025-price-increase

While I understand it now costs TeslaFi some amount to poll data from legacy cars (2020 and earlier), it's a shame that everyone else is now subsidizing those customers' data gathering. This is especially painful for Rivian owners who don't even have the ability to send commands to their vehicle, and there are fewer data points exposed via the Rivian API like volts/amps on charging sessions.

I used to recommend ElectraFi to people looking to log their data since I felt $50/year was pretty reasonable for the service, but at $96/year, I'll be exploring alternatives.

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[2kwik4u]

I was reading in the ChatGPT thread about setting up a server at home at some level and installing Rivians API on it. It's a bit beyond my current depth of understanding, but might be a good alternative......if you're looking for another hobby, as I feel it's likely not inexpensive, or nearly as "set it and forget it" as a subscription is.

I just checked my ElectraFi subscription. I'm still at $5/mo.

Wonder why yours jumped and mine didn't? I agree though, $100/yr is probably too much, but $60/yr feels "ok".

 

[beatle]

Hmm, I'm not sure. I do have my old Teslas on my account for historical purposes, but they're not actively being polled - at least not by me. Maybe this is a pricing increase loophole that the admin will take care of. When I've needed help before, they've been pretty responsive and helpful.

 

[2kwik4u]

Hmm, I'm not sure. I do have my old Teslas on my account for historical purposes, but they're not actively being polled - at least not by me. Maybe this is a pricing increase loophole that the admin will take care of. When I've needed help before, they've been pretty responsive and helpful.

Wonder if it was a "charge anyone with a registered Tesla more" type decision and you got caught in the crossfire?

Good luck!

 

[Nixapatfan]

Setup your own home assistant server. Can be done for less than a $100 or free if you have an old PC lying around and all the instructions are on their site and github just takes some time to read carefully and follow.

 

[beatle]

I actually have HA running on an old Raspberry Pi sitting under my desk, and I used HA once before as a means to integrate a couple of smart outlets, but I don't self host anything I actually consider important.

HA might be good as a second way to display the data, and if it's close enough to get a bluetooth connection to the truck, I think you can use commands to lock/unlock and activate climate control.

 

[zefram47]

I was reading in the ChatGPT thread about setting up a server at home at some level and installing Rivians API on it. It's a bit beyond my current depth of understanding, but might be a good alternative......if you're looking for another hobby, as I feel it's likely not inexpensive, or nearly as "set it and forget it" as a subscription is.

I just checked my ElectraFi subscription. I'm still at $5/mo.

Wonder why yours jumped and mine didn't? I agree though, $100/yr is probably too much, but $60/yr feels "ok".

Just looked and mine is still showing $50/yr for my subscription. I've also never owned a Tesla.

 

[beatle]

I opened a ticket earlier today and got a reply that the increased bill was done in error. I transferred my previous TeslaFi subscription over when I sold my Model S which is probably why this only happened to me. They're crediting me the difference and my next bill will be $5 as normal, so all is well.

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