I'm closing watching for the Volvo C40. I recently test drove the XC40 Recharge, as it is very similar in many aspects to the upcoming C40. The test drive went well. However, I recently found out that Volvo's infotainment system, which is android automotive, relies on a digital services package included in the vehicle's price. This package has a 4 year life, after which one must pay a yet unannounced amount to keep the services going. If one does not pay, certain infotainment features are effectively removed from the car.
I sincerely hope that this business model of disabling features if you don't pay up down the road is not a common theme among EV manufacturers. Can anyone comment on whether other manufacturers are using a similar tactic ?
Dave