Tesla is unmatched as far as innovative improvements are concerned. For instance, you can now receive over-the-air software updates to boost your Ev’s safety and functionality.
It is also possible to browse in your electric vehicle, stream music, make video calls, and even play games courtesy of the premium connectivity option.
What Exactly is Tesla Premium Connectivity?
All Teslas have access to Standard Connectivity at no additional cost for the first eight years after purchasing their vehicle. Used Teslas also have Standard Connectivity, but access depends on how long the EV has been in service.
In contrast, Premium Connectivity is a subscription service. It doesn’t come automatically with your Tesla. As such, you must pay a monthly subscription before you can access connectivity features. Besides, your vehicle must be eligible to subscribe to Premium Connectivity.
The service supports video streaming, internet browsing, music streaming, and other connectivity features over a cellular network.
That said, it is important to note that some Teslas models, including Model S, Model X, and Model 3 (with premium interior), ordered on or before June 30, 2018, are eligible for free Premium Connectivity for the vehicle’s lifetime.
This offer excludes externally supplied upgrades, such as a telecommunications network. All Tesla models ordered after July 1, 2018, are eligible for the Premium Connectivity subscription.
Note: At the moment, Telsa has partnered with AT&T and Starlink to provide internet services in all Tesla vehicles subscribed to the premium service. Tesla EVs also have a built-in cellular connection system that allows you to access this service.
Features of Premium Connectivity
As mentioned at the outset, the primary objective of this premium subscription is to enhance your car ownership experience and improve the EV’s driving capabilities.
Here are a variety of features that come with Tesla Premium connectivity:
Navigation Upgrades
The Standard Connectivity package offers updated navigation maps at no additional cost. The Premium Connectivity further provides satellite-view maps with Live Traffic Visualization.
You don’t have to remain stuck in heavy traffic or get lost in the countryside. Real-time traffic visualization and updated satellite maps allow you to plan your road trips or daily commutes more efficiently. The maps provide an aerial view of the route, helping you to find your destination much faster.
Security Enhancements & Safety Updates
Tesla EVs have high safety ratings and are distinguished for their unmatched security systems. For instance, the Tesla Sentry Mode is a premium connectivity feature that uses an internet connection, external cameras, and sensors to monitor and detect potential threats and relay live events to your connected mobile device.
That’s not all. The feature instructs the cameras to record suspicious activities near your car. It displays a message on your vehicle’s touchscreen and pulses the fog lights before activating the alarm system to warn intruders. You can access your vehicle’s external cameras via the Tesla mobile app.
Entertainment Upgrades
Tesla Premium Connectivity offers numerous entertainment features that Standard Connectivity users can only dream of. It supports in-car streaming of music and media over a cellular network. You can use your vehicle’s data to access Tesla’s Karaoke and other streaming services.
However, you require a paid subscription to stream music or videos from third-party streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, and Slacker. Besides, some connectivity features are available depending on your region and your vehicle’s configuration.
Standard Connectivity allows for Bluetooth pairing, meaning you can stream music from your mobile device. You can also playback from a USB drive to listen to your favorite tunes via FM radio.
How Do You Know If You Have Premium Connectivity in Your Tesla?
You can tell if your Tesla has Premium Connectivity by checking the order or delivery date.
If you own a Tesla Model S, Model X, or Model 3 (with premium interior), ordered on or before June 30, 2018, your EV has free Premium Connectivity. This feature will last for the lifetime of your vehicle.
Access to Premium Connectivity is also limited to certain regions. At the moment, you can only access this subscription service in North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific.
You can also know if you have Premium Connectivity via the Tesla mobile app or your vehicle’s touchscreen. Here are the steps:
On the Tesla touchscreen:
- Go to your vehicle’s touchscreen
- Tap Controls
- Tap Upgrades
- Tap Manage Upgrades
- Find Premium Connectivity (If not subscribed, you should see a subscription option)
On the Tesla app:
- Open the Tesla app on your mobile device
- Select your Tesla vehicle
- Tap Upgrades
- Tap Software Upgrades
- If you don’t have Premium Connectivity, the “Subscribe” pop-up will appear at the top of the screen
Is There a Free Trial for Tesla Premium Connectivity?
Tesla has a 30-day free trial for the Premium Connectivity package. The essence of this option is to give you a test run, so you can see what the package offers.
After the 30-day free trial period elapses, Tesla automatically reverts your EV to the Standard Connectivity package. You can subscribe to the service at any time via the Tesla app or your vehicle’s touchscreen.
Note: Tesla Model S and Model X ordered on or after July 1, 2018, are eligible for a one-year free Premium Connectivity trial.
How Much Does Tesla Premium Connectivity Cost?
Premium Connectivity is available as a monthly subscription costing $9.99 per month or an annual subscription of $99 yearly inclusive of applicable taxes.
However, the cost of Premium Connectivity is subject to changes. You can check price changes via the Tesla app or your vehicle’s touchscreen by tapping the ‘Manage Upgrades’ option.
You can also cancel your Premium Connectivity in between billing cycles. That said, Tesla does not refund or prorate canceled monthly or annual subscriptions. You’ll continue accessing Premium Connectivity features for the remainder of the subscription.
Tesla will send you an email notification within the week your Premium Connectivity is about to expire. You can also confirm your subscription status via the Tesla app.
Is Tesla Premium Connectivity Worth It?
Tesla Premium Connectivity offers a range of convenient features not available in other electric vehicles. Whether on business trips or daily commutes, this service will undoubtedly enhance your driving experience.
For instance, premium connectivity features like satellite-view maps and live traffic visualization are worthwhile if you are constantly on the road. You get to receive real-time traffic updates to avoid congestion. Your road trips can also be fun and exciting thanks to features like music and video streaming.
Considering these security enhancements, entertainment upgrades, and navigation improvements, the Tesla Premium Package is worth every dime.
FAQs
Teslas do not have free WiFi. However, they come with WiFi and Cellular modems for internet connectivity. You must connect to a WiFi network to use Standard Connectivity features or upgrade to the Premium Connectivity package to access connectivity features over a cellular network.
The Tesla Standard Connectivity package offers limited connectivity options such as Bluetooth pairing, playback via a USB drive, FM radio, phone notifications, and navigation. In contrast, the Premium Connectivity package supports internet browsing, music streaming, live traffic visualization, satellite-view maps, Caraoke, video streaming, and security enhancements like Sentry Mode.
You cannot watch Netflix without Premium Connectivity. This service supports in-car streaming of media over a cellular network, allowing you to stream video from popular platforms like Netflix. However, you require a paid subscription to access some third-party streaming services.
You cannot use Tesla Premium Connectivity as a WiFi hotspot. Tesla Premium only connects to an external WiFi network or cellular data. You can use your mobile device as a Wi-Fi hotspot to connect your Tesla to the internet and access Standard Connectivity features.
Tesla will send you an email notification within the week your Premium Connectivity is about to expire. You can also confirm your subscription status via the Tesla app.
You can cancel your Premium Connectivity in between billing cycles. However, Tesla does not refund or prorate canceled monthly or annual subscriptions. You’ll continue accessing Premium Connectivity features for the remainder of the subscription.
Take Away
Tesla Premium Connectivity package is a paid subscription that allows you to access additional features in your car that require data usage.
In essence, it aims to improve your driving and ownership experience by offering a range of connectivity features not available to other car owners.
You can stream music, watch videos, and entertain yourself when out camping. You can also browse the internet and check your emails right in your car.
With Live Traffic visualization, getting late for your commitments will be a thing of the past. Upgrade to the Premium Connectivity package and notice the difference.
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