Tesla May End Free Spotify Premium for European Customers

Tesla currently offers free music streaming with every vehicle, though access requires either Tesla’s Premium Connectivity package or a WiFi connection. In North America, Tesla provides a service recently rebranded from “Streaming” to LiveOne. European Tesla owners, however, enjoy a different perk: free access to Spotify Premium, allowing them to stream music without ads or the need for a personal subscription.

This complimentary service has been a valued feature for European Tesla drivers, offering benefits such as ad-free listening, unlimited skips, and the ability to play music in any order. However, recent information suggests this perk may be coming to an end. An anonymous tip received by industry insiders indicates that Tesla plans to discontinue the free Spotify Premium benefit for its European customers.

While this change hasn’t been officially confirmed by Tesla, several factors make it seem plausible. The landscape of in-car entertainment is evolving, with Tesla adding support for various music streaming platforms like YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and Apple Music. This expansion increases the likelihood that many Tesla owners already subscribe to a compatible service. The popularity of music streaming subscriptions has grown significantly in recent years, becoming increasingly common among consumers.

Cost considerations may also play a role in this potential change. Even if Tesla has negotiated a discounted rate for Spotify Premium licenses, the cumulative expense across millions of vehicles could be substantial. As the number of Teslas on the road surpasses 6 million, even a small per-vehicle cost could add up to a significant amount.

It’s worth noting that the current arrangement limits the free Spotify Premium access to in-vehicle use only. Tesla doesn’t provide account credentials, preventing users from accessing the service on other devices. Owners who subscribe to Spotify Premium independently can still log in to their personal accounts in their vehicles, sharing playlists and preferences across devices.

The timeline for this potential change remains uncertain, though the source suggested it could happen within the year. It’s unclear whether the change would affect all European Tesla owners or only apply to new vehicle purchases. The specifics may depend on Tesla’s agreements with Spotify and LiveOne, and whether they’re based on a flat fee per vehicle or a recurring monthly or yearly charge.

This move would align with other changes Tesla has made to its streaming services, including the transition from Slacker Radio to LiveOne in North America. As the electric vehicle market matures, it’s natural for manufacturers to reassess included features and services. Tesla likely has data on usage patterns to inform their decision-making process.

For now, European Tesla owners should continue to enjoy their free Spotify Premium while it lasts. As with any unconfirmed information, this should be treated as a rumor until Tesla makes an official announcement. The company’s approach to music streaming services continues to evolve, and it’s possible that future changes could bring new benefits or options for Tesla drivers worldwide.nd stay tuned for any official announcements from the company.