A new owner of the Chevrolet Equinox EV took to Reddit to share their disappointment about the car’s lack of free app connectivity. In their post, the buyer expressed initial excitement about the vehicle, particularly its responsive Google-based infotainment system. However, they soon discovered that many of the system’s key features, including live traffic updates and access to apps like Spotify, are locked behind a subscription paywall.
The Redditor wrote, “Unfortunately, all of these features go away without an OnStar package for data through AT&T. The cheapest package is $35 a month, with the most expensive at $52.” They added that this wouldn’t have been as much of a problem if the vehicle had included Android Auto or Apple CarPlay—both of which GM has removed in favor of its proprietary system.
The Reddit Firestorm: A Community Weighs In
The post quickly gained traction, sparking hundreds of comments from EV enthusiasts and frustrated car buyers. Many users criticized GM’s decision to eliminate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, widely regarded as reliable and user-friendly standards for infotainment systems.
One commenter summed up the public sentiment: “GM specifically announced they were getting rid of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability so they could enhance their services revenue. You fell into their trap.” Another joked about the corporate language used to justify such decisions, saying, “The phrase ‘enhance services revenue’ momentarily filled me with rage.”
Others pointed out that competitors, such as Tesla, charge significantly less for similar features. Tesla’s Premium Connectivity plan costs just $10 per month and includes live traffic updates and streaming capabilities. As one user quipped, “For $35 a month, GM is pricing itself out of the competition.”
The Impact on GM’s Reputation and Consumer Loyalty
This controversy is not just affecting the Chevy Equinox EV but potentially tarnishing General Motors’ brand as a whole. Many commenters stated that the lack of free app connectivity, coupled with the removal of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, would deter them from purchasing a GM vehicle.
One Redditor wrote, “I’ve owned nothing but GM for 20 years, but this move has me looking elsewhere. If enough people reject this nonsense, they’ll be forced to reverse course.” Another shared their decision to opt for a Kia EV6 instead, citing the availability of Android Auto as a deciding factor: “I loved my Bolt, but unless GM changes their stance, it’ll be the last GM car I recommend.”
This growing dissatisfaction highlights a critical issue for GM: balancing innovation and monetization with customer expectations. While some buyers are willing to overlook the subscription fees for the Equinox EV’s affordability and features, others see it as a dealbreaker.
What Comes Standard With the Chevy Equinox EV?
Despite the backlash, it’s worth noting what the Chevy Equinox EV does include as standard. The vehicle’s window sticker promises “8 years of Remote Access and Connectivity”, which offers:
Remote Access via the myChevrolet App: This includes remote start, lock/unlock functions, and vehicle diagnostics, such as battery status and tire pressure.
Basic EV Management Tools: Features for monitoring charging and energy efficiency.
Vehicle Health and Maintenance Alerts: Owners receive notifications for scheduled maintenance and diagnostics.
However, these features do not include full functionality of the built-in infotainment system. Accessing apps like Spotify, Google Maps with live traffic, or in-car streaming requires a subscription to GM’s OnStar service. This starts at $15 per month for app access or $35 per month for premium connectivity with data.
Full Infotainment Experience Locked Behind a Paywall
For many buyers, the crux of the issue is that GM’s built-in infotainment system cannot be used to its full potential without additional fees. The lack of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay further limits options, forcing buyers to either pay for GM’s subscription services or rely on workarounds, like tethering their phone’s hotspot.
Redditors also highlighted how GM’s decision might hurt them in the long run. One comment read, “GM’s short-term revenue goals will lose them long-term customers. People aren’t going to pay premium prices for something they used to get for free.” Another added, “They want to charge me $35 a month for features my phone already has? No thanks.”
Will GM Stay The Course With A Divisive Strategy?
While the Chevrolet Equinox EV remains an attractive choice for its price and practicality, its reliance on subscription-based services has sparked a broader debate about the future of automotive monetization. The promise of “8 years of Remote Access and Connectivity” sounds appealing, but it falls short of providing the full infotainment experience that many buyers expect.
GM’s move to remove Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in favor of a paywalled system has alienated some of its most loyal customers. The controversy raises important questions about how far automakers can push subscription models before consumers start to look elsewhere. Will GM adjust its approach to retain customer trust, or will the backlash push buyers toward competitors? The answer may shape the trajectory of EV adoption in the years to come.
Our Take
At GM-Trucks.com, where we’ve been long-term testing a HUMMER EV equipped with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, these features being missing in the Equinox EV is a disappointment. Similarly, our Silverado ZR2 also offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and we would be upset without having them to use.
When manufacturers charge extra for features that used to be included, they risk alienating customers who feel they’ve already paid enough for the vehicle itself. GM’s decision to lock essential features like app access and live traffic updates behind a paywall only amplifies this frustration. As one Reddit user put it, “Why should I pay for features my phone already offers for free? It’s insulting.”