I wish you were wrong about the complicity of the consumer, but as you said, years of "nothing to hide" drilled into their brains has conditioned the majority to accept this status quo.

Very true, but I can still dream haha

In an ideal scenario the EV driving tech could run locally with no network connection, and I can plug in something open / 3rd party for the network connected techie features

Thanks. I'd pay more for an EV that doesn't build in any tech at all outside of the primary function of the car.

We need to draw a line between "essential auto technology" and the internet-connected convenience tech. I would love an open source project like GrapheneOS for autos. Or even just a tablet I can connect to the power and the stereo/mic for any sort of internet connected functionality (GPS, music, etc). Either way I want my open source OS to manage the modem firmware as I have no trust in these companies.

It's insane to me the complete lack of consumer protection in the digital age. Our cars used to be our sanctuary. A symbol of freedom and comfort. Now they're dystopian nightmares that make me very uncomfortable.

Not only that, but you have companies replacing apple/android auto with shit tech they have no business building. Predictably there are leaks all the time.

Genuine question: are there any options out there for someone who wants a simple car and is willing to pay a little more to avoid built in spyware and subscriptions for every tiny feature?

It's ironic that a FOSS self-hosted app would use a platform where you must forfeit your privacy to register and ask a question.