this post was submitted on 17 Aug 2025
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[–] Coopr8@kbin.earth 11 points 3 days ago (1 children)

I'm wondering if this in part has to do with hitting average efficiency targets. By nerfing this car for most users, who won't really care or notice the difference in urban driving, they carve out more tollerance for lower efficiency in their SUVs/ICE cars while still hitting the average efficiency spec that gives them some government incentives and marketing opportunities. $700/car for a lifetime subscription is not a huge economic motivator in the scheme of things.

[–] nucleative@lemmy.world 8 points 3 days ago

I was thinking the issue maybe nuanced like this as well.

It's also possible that a higher performance significantly increases wear and tear and to keep the warranty activated Volkswagen trades a bit more cash in return for unlocking some of the limitations.

That being said I didn't read the article so don't really know. And I really hate the idea of paying subscriptions for things we already own, especially because it feels like we don't own anything anymore.