Google Streetview API is too expensive. Is there any way to make it worth it?

$7 per 1000 calls I was considering making an app to create hyperlapse from a GPX file to visualise a route. But mapping 100km would cost $14 with a shot every 50m. Even if I could justify this cost for a very specific trip, there is no way on earth I could make a business out of that. Why is it so expensive? I think Google is leaving a ton of money on the table.