There’s also the little bit about “only when connected locally to the car” – which suggests to me that the phone communicates with the car via wifi or a plugged-in cable. So, possibly, you could install and use the app, but just disable internet access for that app. Then you could get the benefits of using the app without any possibility of it spying on you. Or even install that app on a cheap old $50 phone that doesn’t have an internet connection at all, and just use that phone to interface with the truck.

The system as described is essentially a modem. I guarantee it will have cellular capabilities built-in. Whether that’s advertised or not is a different story. But all powered-on cellular modems are capable of two-way communication, regardless of whether a SIM or subscriber ID or whatever is installed. I mean, when issued, emergency notifications are pushed to all powered cellular devices, and they can all make emergency phone calls as long as there is a cell tower in range, carrier be damned.

What makes you think Slate’s backing corp wouldn’t ship the car without a cellular backdoor? Especially being backed by Bezos of all people.