Why does a car even need an Internet connection? I'd prefer a car without. I recently bought a 2024 model Chinese EV, and it doesn't seem to have an internet connection of its own. Neither does it seem to have an app.

Reasons I could think of for an app: Remotely check battery charge, and that would purely be for interest rather than necessity.

I get why people might like or want remote heating/cooling as well, and I'd probably use it if I had it, but it would be an exceedingly rare occurrence (although I'm more sensitive than most as to becoming a 'soft' human being).

Starting my heating/airco at a distance, checking whether the car is charged so I can continue my trip, exporting charging session for my accountant, ...

It's for when you are not in the car. E.g. notifying you the car has finished charging or to start heating in winter.

tesla is worse and starts from zero - you can't buy a tesla without installing the app.