Data connections, subscription services, what does this all cost?

[BadRock]

I'm trying to put my finger on how all this data transfer works and what it all costs. From what I've read the Energi has Wifi, okay that one's easy. I've also read it has 3G or some kind of cellular data connection. Can't imagine a cellular data connection without fees. Can anyone elaborate on this?

 

Then theres Sync, I don't know much about it or if I need it but I'm sure it comes with a cost. 

 

Finally theres Sirius services. I'm familiar with their sat radio, if you like it you pay for it, if not you don't. But the Energi has a few extra Sirius services (NavTraffic, NavWeather, SiriusXM Travel Link) that I can't find much detail on.

 

Can someone enlighten me on how all this works and what it's going to cost in the real world.

 

Thanks in advance!

[47Minutes]

There is a 3g data connection in the Energi that is used for communication with the myfordmobile.com website and the myford mobile apps.  These enable some "remote" control of certain functions (locks, remote start, Go Times, Charging Profile) and vehicle location.  This service is included in new vehicle purchase for 5 years.  I've not yet seen anything about pricing/term after that initial 60 months.

 

Sync, if bought with the vehicle, is no cost to operate.  Sync SERVICES, however, is included with new vehicle purchase for 3 years.  Think of this as OnStar equivalent.  When activating this you end up talking to an operator, over your own paired smartphone, for directions and other services.  Again, I am not aware of renewal costs at this time.

 

You are correct about Sirius functionality such as weather, traffic, etc.  New vehicles come with a 6 month trial then Sirius subscription if you choose to continue it.

 

As for the Wi-Fi, the car has two functions.  One, it can be connected to other Wi-Fi networks.  I've not yet found a real world application for this unless it can be used for updating Sync.  I have not confirmed this yet.  Secondly, if you have a smartphone that can be used as a wireless hotspot, the car can be connected to this and then offer up a Wi-Fi network for passengers to utilize with their Internet ready devices.  You can also use a USB 3G/4G data modem in lieu of a smartphone.  This could be nice for commuter groups so that passengers could work or for road trips with kids Wi-Fi only devices.  All data for this takes place over the phone's connection.  So you must have a carrier data plan that allows tethering and an appropriate data plan.

 

Hope this helps.

[Scooter80]

...I've also read it has 3G or some kind of cellular data connection. Can't imagine a cellular data connection without fees. Can anyone elaborate on this?...

Yeah, there is a cost to it, I'm sure, but not to us.  

 

Just like when you buy a 3G Amazon Kindle.  Amazon eats the small Data cost of the 3G because they roll it into the price for the books and device.  Same here with Ford and the price of the car.

[apm]

I'm trying to put my finger on how all this data transfer works and what it all costs. From what I've read the Energi has Wifi, okay that one's easy. I've also read it has 3G or some kind of cellular data connection. Can't imagine a cellular data connection without fees. Can anyone elaborate on this?

 

Then theres Sync, I don't know much about it or if I need it but I'm sure it comes with a cost. 

 

Finally theres Sirius services. I'm familiar with their sat radio, if you like it you pay for it, if not you don't. But the Energi has a few extra Sirius services (NavTraffic, NavWeather, SiriusXM Travel Link) that I can't find much detail on.

 

Can someone enlighten me on how all this works and what it's going to cost in the real world.

 

Thanks in advance!

As mentioned above the 3G data included with the car is free of charge for 5 years and Ford has not said how much it will cost after that.

 

Sync Services cost $60 a year after the included 3 years expire.

 

Sirius/XM Traffic, I believe is $4.95 per month in addition to the music plan. You can buy the Traffic only, but I think they require prepayment of 1 year or they have a "monthly billing" charge.

 

Regards,

APM.