Stopping Tesla Premium Connectivity: What you need to know

About Tesla Premium Connectivity

Tesla Premium Connectivity is an optional subscription service that transforms your Tesla vehicle into a fully connected digital hub on wheels. Having processed hundreds of Tesla subscription cancellations over the years, I can tell you this is one of the most misunderstood services in the electric vehicle world. Many owners sign up during their initial excitement of vehicle ownership, only to realise months later they're not using half the features they're paying for.

The service provides enhanced internet connectivity features beyond the standard connectivity that comes with every Tesla. Think of it as the difference between basic mobile internet and a premium data plan. Your Tesla comes with Standard Connectivity at no extra cost, which covers essential functions like navigation using standard maps, music streaming over Bluetooth from your phone, and software updates over Wi-Fi. Premium Connectivity builds on this foundation with live traffic visualisation, satellite-view maps, video streaming services, karaoke, internet browsing, and music streaming directly through the car without needing your phone.

Most importantly, Premium Connectivity was included free for the first year with new Tesla purchases until mid-2018. If you bought your vehicle after that date, you likely had a trial period before being asked to subscribe. This is where many owners find themselves questioning whether they actually need the service, especially when they discover their phone's hotspot can provide similar functionality for some features.

The service operates through Tesla's built-in cellular connection, which uses mobile networks across the UK. This means your car maintains internet access even in areas where your phone might struggle, though this advantage has diminished as UK mobile coverage has improved dramatically in recent years.

Plans, features and pricing

Tesla keeps their pricing structure refreshingly simple compared to other subscription services I've dealt with. There's essentially one plan with straightforward monthly billing, though the features have evolved considerably since the service launched.

At £9.99 per month, you're looking at nearly £120 annually. That might not sound like much, but I've seen countless Tesla owners cancel once they calculate the long-term cost over their vehicle ownership period. Over five years, you're spending £600 for features many drivers rarely use.

What you actually get with premium connectivity

Let me break down the features in order of what former subscribers tell me they actually used versus what sounded good on paper. Live traffic visualisation sits at the top - this shows real-time traffic conditions on your navigation map with colour-coded routes. Genuinely useful for daily commuters, though standard navigation still routes you efficiently without it.

Satellite-view maps provide aerial imagery instead of standard map graphics. Nice to have, rarely essential. Sentry Mode viewing lets you watch your car's security camera footage directly from your phone when away from the vehicle - this is actually one of the more valued features among those who park in busy areas.

Video streaming services including Netflix, YouTube, and others work when your car is parked. I've processed cancellations from dozens of owners who thought they'd use this regularly but found they never actually sat in their parked car watching videos. Music streaming through Spotify, Apple Music, and other services sounds convenient until you realise your phone can do the same thing through Bluetooth without the subscription.

Internet browsing allows you to access websites through the car's touchscreen. The Caraoke feature provides in-car karaoke entertainment. Both fall into the \