Chevrolet and OnStar unveiled smartphone apps that enable Chevrolet Volt owners
24/7 connection and control of vehicle functions and OnStar features
remotely.
OnStar's apps allows drivers to communicate with their
Volt from Droid by Motorola, Apple iPhone and Blackberry Storm
smartphones. It uses a real-time data connection to perform tasks from
setting the charge time to unlocking the doors or even starting the car to get the air conditioning cool or the heat hot.
The iPhone, BlackBerry Storm or Droid App:
- Displays charge status - plugged in or not, and voltage (120V or 240V).
- Provides flexibility to "Charge Now" or schedule charge timing.
- Displays percentage of battery charge level, electric and total ranges.
- Allows owner to manually set grid-friendly charge mode for off-peak times when electricity rates are lowest.
- Sends text or email notifications for charge reminders, interruptions and full charge.
- Displays miles per gallon, electric only miles, and odometer readings.
- Shows miles per gallon, EV miles and miles driven for last trip and lifetime.
- Remotely start the vehicle to pre-condition the interior temperature
Top Ten (Plus) Best Coolest Free Android an' Droid Apps Review of Reviews.
Best Android Apps Page.
BlackBerry Storm Apps Page.
Top Best Free BlackBerry Storm Apps this Month (MAY).
OnStar's real-time data connection also helps drivers maximize the enviromental
benefits of owning a Volt, even when not in the vehicle. The
application's intuitive Charge Status feature simplifies setting the
charge time. Rather than using battery power, the application allows
owners to start the Volt remotely to pre-condition the interior
temperature using power from the grid. This preserves the battery
charge for driving without gasoline.
When a charge command is activated, the Volt owner will receive a
confirmation message on the application alerting the owner that a
command has been successfully sent to the vehicle. If in view of the
Volt, a green LED charge light on the dash will indicate the charge
state.
Traditional OnStar features such as door lock, unlock and remote horn
and lights - which have typically been accessible only through a call
into the OnStar call center - will now be available via the application.
OnStar Mobile was developed from the ground-up by engineers in the
OnStar EV Lab. In addition to this work, the team is leveraging
OnStar's connectivity to the vehicle to gather real-time data about
development models of the Volt as they are tested. OnStar engineers
then share this real-time data with the Volt engineering team to speed
the development process and help ensure quality at the start of
production.
Demonstration applications for the Motorola Droid and Blackberry Storm
will be available at OnStarMobileDemo.com beginning 10 p.m., EST,
January 5. The demonstration application for the Apple iPhone will be
available on the iTunes store on January 6.
Volt's OnStar mobile application will also be available on a mobile
browser for other internet-capable phones. Volt drivers can also view
and manage vehicle systems and commands from the vehicle, the internet
or through a monthly OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics e-mail.
Volt owners can opt-in to receive a monthly OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics
e-mail report with diagnostics on the unique characteristics of an
electric vehicle with extended range, as well as the maintenance
information current OnStar subscribers receive. OnStar will also
provide the connection for the Volt owner website, which will allow
many of the same capabilities as the mobile application along with more
in depth information on the vehicle's history.
The OnStar subscription for the Chevrolet Volt will also include the
safety, security and peace of mind services currently available to
OnStar's subscribers including Automatic Crash Response, Turn-by-Turn
Navigation, Hands-Free Calling and Stolen Vehicle Assistance.
The Volt is an electric vehicle with extended-range capability. It is
designed to drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline
or producing tailpipe emissions. When the Volt's lithium-ion battery is
depleted of energy, an engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend
the total driving range to about 300 miles before refueling or stopping
to recharge the battery.
Now this is what I call great innovations. Watching your battery charge while getting a haircut.