Techno‑feudalism drives subscription models in cars and home energy

Manufacturers are increasingly locking functions of physical products behind monthly subscription fees, turning ownership into a licence. In the automotive sector, new vehicles require ongoing payments to activate features such as heated seats, a practice described by economist Yanis Varoufakis as "techno‑feudalism." The model shifts cars from sold goods to software‑as‑a‑service offerings, extracting continuous digital rent from owners.

Similarly, the Czech electricity market is moving away from fixed‑price tariffs for households that generate solar power. Jan Kakos of Bidli Technologie explains that spot‑price tariffs, now calculated in fifteen‑minute intervals, allow solar owners to optimise when they draw, store or sell electricity. Fixed rates no longer reflect the flexibility and cost savings possible with smart energy management, prompting a shift toward dynamic pricing.

Both trends illustrate how digital control and real‑time pricing are reshaping consumer relationships with traditionally owned assets.