For many fleets and fleet management companies (FMCs), telematics decisions have historically happened after vehicles were delivered. Whether using plug-in telematics devices or OEM connectivity, the process was largely the same: vehicles were delivered first, and connectivity decisions followed.

A new option is emerging. Several major OEMs — including Stellantis/Mobilisights Connect, Toyota, and Volkswagen — have introduced prepaid connectivity packages that are now available during vehicle ordering. This shift makes connectivity part of acquisition and procurement rather than a downstream operational decision. This has implications for commercial structure, procurement strategy, and long-term operational consistency across large vehicle populations.

What Is Prepaid OEM Connectivity?

Prepaid OEM connectivity refers to connected vehicle data services selected during vehicle ordering, with connectivity costs bundled into the vehicle purchase or lease structure for a defined term.

Instead of activating and managing a separate recurring subscription after vehicles are delivered, organizations can incorporate connectivity services directly into the vehicle acquisition process upfront.

Depending on the package selected, prepaid connectivity includes signals such as:

• Vehicle location
• Odometer 
• Speed and heading
• Fuel level
• Maintenance and health (tire pressure, service warnings, etc.)
• Driver behavior and safety events
• EV battery and charging visibility
• Collision detection

Why FMCs and Fleets Are Adopting This Approach

Compared to aftermarket telematics, OEM-connected vehicle programs eliminate the need for separate hardware installations, helping fleets avoid installation costs, downtime, and deployment delays.

Prepaid OEM connectivity also changes how connected vehicle services are financed. Instead of activating services after delivery through separate subscriptions, connectivity costs can be incorporated directly into the vehicle purchase during ordering, reducing the need for separate ongoing operating expenses (OpEx).

For FMCs and fleets managing large vehicle populations, this can simplify budgeting, reduce administrative overhead, and minimize separate recurring billing workflows.

Ordering Timing Matters

Many OEM connectivity programs require connectivity packages to be selected during the vehicle ordering process. If those options are not chosen upfront, fleets may lose access to prepaid connectivity eligibility and instead need to activate services later through separate subscription workflows.

As a result, connectivity decisions increasingly need to happen during vehicle acquisition planning, since ordering selections can directly determine how connectivity is provisioned and commercially structured throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

Reducing the Complexity of Multi-OEM Programs

As prepaid OEM connectivity programs expand across several manufacturers, another operational consideration is beginning to emerge: inconsistency between OEM programs themselves.

Connectivity packages, enrollment models, contract structures, and ordering workflows can vary significantly across OEMs. For FMCs and fleets managing mixed vehicle populations, that can introduce additional coordination requirements during procurement and onboarding.

In practice, OEM programs may have different eligibility rules, activation requirements, and approaches to data packaging.

This is where working with a connected vehicle intelligence company like Motorq can help FMCs and fleets understand how different OEM connectivity programs work, evaluate prepaid connectivity options during vehicle ordering, and make more informed decisions as connected vehicle decisions become more closely tied to vehicle acquisition.

Connected Vehicle Services Are Increasingly Expected

With several major OEMs now supporting prepaid connectivity models, it points to a broader shift across the industry. OEM-connected services are starting to move closer to an expected vehicle capability rather than a separate service added after delivery.

According to Arun Rajagopalan, CEO of Motorq, “Connectivity has followed the same path as safety features like seatbelts, airbags, or backup cameras. They were once optional, but now they’re standard.”

For FMCs and fleets managing mixed vehicle populations, understanding OEM connectivity programs before vehicles are ordered can simplify long-term connectivity planning.

Contact the Motorq team to learn how prepaid connectivity programs work across OEMs and how to incorporate them into your next vehicle order.