[mthomasmw]

It's completely possible to build an EV that isn't connected. The idea that electric power means networked spying is an invented fiction. Due to the privacy-conscious background of one automaker, a vote by the board mandated that all their cars be able to function in a completely disconnected, non-reporting mode:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/porsche-rolls-out-board-approve...

And they all do, even their EV. I voted with my wallet.

[sandworm101]

It is also Porsche, a company that prides itself on long-term support. Just look at the iconic Porsche tractor commercial. They want their car to work as well tomorrow as it does today. They know that communication standards change. Every "connected" car will, in a decade or two, be a disconnected/bricked car.

[kenhwang]

I really like how they're rolling out updated headunits for all their cars right now. Just about every Porsche from the 1960s to late-2000s can be updated to support a modern Porsche infotainment interface as well as CarPlay/Android Auto.

[sircastor]

I've got a Nissan LEAF from 2012, and it had a handful of useful features that have disappeared with the loss of the cell network (the original radio was 2G - I didn't upgrade it because they wanted $200, and I think the 3G replacement is also slated to disappear in the near future) While I wish I could remotely warm up the car or set the charging shutoff, it's not a huge loss. Most of the features continue to work perfectly fine.

[vGPU]

Example: my Lexus had remote start ability. It no longer does, as 3g towers were deprecated.

[itslennysfault]

Not sure why you are specifically calling out EVs. I think all new cars (gas or electric) have internet connectivity and send all sorts of data home.

[sandworm101]

But there exists a large group of people, especially here on HN, that want to execute a series of transport/car revolutions all in short order. There is the connected car, the electrification of cars, the auto-drive car, and the "end to individual car ownership". Many players in the industry want to push all those things to happen at once. Tesla actively pushes 3/4 of them. So it is natural for people to draw parallels, to see one revolution as integral to another.

[unethical_ban]

You are correct, and all carbuyers should be aware. I know I will work with the service department of any new vehicle I buy to determine how to disable communication, if not faraday/RIP out the modem of any car I buy.

That said, I think a lot of non tech savvy people associate the two. My dad dislikes EVs for many reasons Fox News tells him to, but one of them is "self driving cars are never going to be safe or practical". He doesn't get that EVs can exist separate from Tesla self driving shenanigans, or that ICE vehicles are trying to do the same thing.

[mixmastamyk]

It was pioneered there. Not been able to buy a modern EV without it. Ostensibly for range anxiety early on, kept for the sweet revenue. The GM EV1 and Tesla roadster? were probably the last without it.

[piperswe]

Yep, I can't think of any automakers that have different connectivity in their EVs than their ICEs.

[nradov]

In general most auto manufacturers are trying to shift their revenue model from periodic auto and parts sales to monthly subscription fees. This isn't linked to EVs. They're trying to force consumers into subscriptions for ICE vehicles as well. This is obviously a negative for consumers, but subscription revenue is seen by Wall Street as more stable and predictable thus it supports higher stock market valuations and better bond credit ratings.

[ElectricalUnion]

A world based on planned obsolescence is aligned with minimum cost optimized components.

It is of no interest for a company to just sell you a thing for cheap, not extract some sort of rent from it and for you to not replace it constantly.

In theory a revenue model based on subscription fees is also more aligned with the preservation of the environment and providing the end-user long term quality components, as to extract said rent smoothly and for as long as possible.

That of course assuming those subscriptions cover actual vehicle maintenance (somewhat like Managed Services Provider do for, say, printers), why not? Transportation-as-a-Service seems a very reasonable X-as-a-Service model .

[GuB-42]

See the Dacia Spring, not only it is an EV for about $20k, but if you look at the interior, you don't even realize it's electric. It is all knobs and dials, some models are equipped with a screen and GPS for navigation, but you won't get more than that in term of connectivity.

[drdaeman]

They have the instruments cluster that looks like a Christmas tree.

Giant colorful "econometer" that screams like "some manager wanted to put an ad to remind you how efficient the car is" that has questionable usability, especially compared to its size. And right-hand side displays a red-colored last block even when the tank is not empty, messing up color coding. It would've made more sense to apply colors where they matter, like on the speedometer when you're going too fast, or when the car is in reverse.

Why can't most car vendors hire someone with a brain for a UI designer?

[tremon]

That sounds great, but I'm a bit sad that it seems to come only in SUV form factor. Do you happen to know if they have anything in less obnoxious sizes?

[mixmastamyk]

A privacy setting is not enough, as it can easily be switched back on. And we know that happens all the time because of bugs right? wink

No good enough, unless the hardware is not installed.

[throw0101b]

Up to a certain point. From 2015, "New cars in Europe could soon automatically call police when you crash":

* https://driving.ca/auto-news/news/new-cars-in-europe-could-s...

[mdp2021]

According to the regulation, the eCall is only activated as the emergency is triggered (as the airbags trigger). According to what you can expect, it is hard to know if that is the way the manufacturers implemented it.

[hutzlibu]

But this is something very different, from sending all the data from all the sensors (optionally including interior cameras) all the time.

[zolbrek]

I would vote with my wallet in this way too if I could afford a Porsche.

[JJMcJ]

As another proof there were electric cars in the early era around 1900, which clearly did not and could not have phone-home capability.

[sysadm1n]

> It's completely possible to build an EV that isn't connected

    sudo ifconfig eth1 down

[speed_spread]

Rooting your car might very well void the warranty.

[uconnectlol]

gasoline powered cars are a privacy nightmare too and a terrible "its all going digital" nightmare. the problem here is obviously oppression by the majority

[taeric]

That isn't the only real problem with trying to have privacy with your car. And, realistically, this isn't new. It was common a long time ago to know that so and so was at someone's house because you saw their car there. Or you saw their car really anywhere else.

And with how traceable cars are, the idea that it has to do the data sending for you is a bit outdated. If it was ever accurate.

[plagiarist]

"Your face is pretty distinct so it's not a significant difference if shoe companies install GPS and telemetry to track your every movement."