Tesla Premium Connectivity Pricing and What You Get
Tesla Premium Connectivity costs $12.99 per month or $135 per year if you pay annually. The monthly subscription renews automatically each month unless you cancel it. Tesla occasionally runs promotional periods where new owners receive the service free for a limited time — typically three months to one year depending on the vehicle model and purchase date — but after that period ends, the monthly charge begins.
The service includes real-time traffic visualization on your in-car navigation, satellite view maps, live weather data, and the ability to stream music and video through your vehicle's built-in entertainment system. You also get access to your vehicle's live camera feeds through the Tesla mobile app, remote climate control, and the ability to send navigation destinations to your car from your phone. Without Premium Connectivity, your vehicle still has basic navigation and can use Bluetooth to stream audio from your phone, but the in-car map cannot display real-time traffic conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Premium Connectivity costs $12.99 per month or $135 per year, with automatic renewal unless you cancel.
- New Tesla owners often receive a free trial period ranging from three months to one year, after which the subscription fee begins.
- The service provides real-time traffic data, satellite maps, live camera access via the mobile app, and streaming entertainment — features not available without it.
- Basic navigation and Bluetooth audio work without Premium Connectivity, so the subscription is optional rather than required for core vehicle function.
- You can cancel Premium Connectivity at any time through your Tesla account settings; cancellation takes effect when ready.
How the Free Trial Period Works
When you purchase a new Tesla, the vehicle comes with a complimentary Premium Connectivity trial. The length of this trial varies: some owners receive three months, others six months, and some receive up to one year. Tesla does not publish a single standard trial length, so the duration depends on factors including the vehicle model, the specific purchase date, and regional promotions active at the time of delivery.
You can check how much trial time remains by opening the Tesla mobile app, going to your vehicle settings, and looking at the Premium Connectivity section. The app displays the expiration date of your current trial. If you do not cancel before the trial ends, Tesla will automatically charge your payment method on file the monthly subscription fee. If you purchase a used Tesla, the previous owner's trial period does not transfer to you — you will need to either purchase a subscription or use the vehicle without Premium Connectivity features.
What Happens When Your Trial Expires
On the day your free trial ends, Tesla charges $12.99 to the payment method you have registered in your account. This charge repeats every month on the same date unless you cancel the subscription. If your payment method is declined or expired, Tesla will attempt to charge it again over the following days, and your Premium Connectivity access will be suspended until payment succeeds.
If you do not want to be charged after your trial ends, you must cancel before the expiration date. Cancellation is when ready — you lose access to Premium Connectivity features as soon as you confirm the cancellation in your account settings. There is no grace period or refund for partial months. If you cancel on the 15th of a month after being charged on the 1st, you do not receive a credit for the remaining half-month.
Comparing Premium Connectivity to Standard Features
Without Premium Connectivity, your Tesla still functions as a complete vehicle. Navigation works using offline maps stored on the vehicle, though you cannot see real-time traffic conditions or live weather data. You can still receive turn-by-turn directions, search for addresses, and use Supercharger navigation. Bluetooth audio streaming from your phone works normally, so you can listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks through your phone's apps.
The main trade-off is convenience and real-time information. Real-time traffic allows the navigation system to automatically reroute you around congestion, potentially saving time on longer drives. Satellite view maps let you see actual imagery of your destination before you arrive. Live camera access through the mobile app means you can check on your vehicle's surroundings remotely — useful if you are parked in an unfamiliar location or want to monitor your car while away from it. For many owners, these features justify the $12.99 monthly cost; for others, the basic navigation and Bluetooth audio are sufficient.
How to Cancel Premium Connectivity
To cancel Premium Connectivity, open the Tesla mobile app on your phone and tap the car icon at the bottom of the screen. Select your vehicle, then go to Settings. Scroll down to Premium Connectivity and tap the option to manage your subscription. You will see a button to cancel; tap it and confirm your cancellation. The cancellation takes effect when ready, and you will no longer be charged.
You can also cancel through your Tesla account on the web. Log in to your Tesla account at tesla.com, go to your vehicle settings, find Premium Connectivity, and select the option to cancel. Either method works equally well. After cancellation, you can resubscribe at any time by following the same steps and selecting the option to purchase Premium Connectivity. There is no penalty for canceling and resubscribing later.
When Premium Connectivity Makes Sense
Premium Connectivity is most useful if you regularly drive in unfamiliar areas, rely on real-time traffic data to plan your route, or want to monitor your vehicle remotely through the mobile app. Owners who primarily drive familiar routes and do not need live traffic updates often find they can skip the subscription without losing core functionality. The $135 annual cost adds up over time, so the decision depends on how much you value the specific features included.
If you are unsure whether you need it, you can use your free trial period to test the features. Pay attention to whether you actually use real-time traffic, satellite maps, or the live camera feed. If you find yourself using these features regularly during your trial, the subscription is probably worth keeping. If you rarely open those features, canceling before the trial ends will save you the monthly charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I cancel Premium Connectivity mid-month?
No. Tesla does not issue refunds for partial months. If you cancel on any day after your monthly charge has posted, you lose access to Premium Connectivity when ready but do not receive a credit for the unused portion of that month. Plan your cancellation accordingly if you want to avoid paying for a full month you will not use.
What happens to my Premium Connectivity if I sell my Tesla?
Your Premium Connectivity subscription is tied to your Tesla account, not to the vehicle itself. When you sell the car, the new owner does not inherit your subscription. They will need to purchase their own subscription or use the vehicle without Premium Connectivity. Your subscription continues to charge your payment method until you cancel it in your account settings.
Does Premium Connectivity work outside the United States?
Premium Connectivity features vary by region. Real-time traffic and satellite maps work in most countries where Tesla operates, but some features like live camera access and certain entertainment services may be limited or unavailable in specific regions. Check Tesla's support documentation for your country to confirm which features are available in your location.
Can I pause my Premium Connectivity subscription instead of canceling?
Tesla does not offer a pause or suspension option. You can only cancel or maintain an active subscription. If you want to stop paying temporarily, you must cancel and then resubscribe later. Resubscription is straightforward and can be done through the mobile app or your account settings at any time.
Is there a discount if I pay for a full year upfront?
Yes. The annual plan costs $135, which works out to $11.25 per month if you divide the total by 12. This is about $1.74 cheaper per month than paying $12.99 monthly. You can switch between monthly and annual billing through your account settings, though the change takes effect on your next billing date rather than when ready.