GM launches mobile App for Volt

Status
Not open for further replies.

MikeMike

Lifer
Feb 6, 2000
45,885
66
91
i have no idea, it would go in GG&P, Software, or The Garage, so i figure its off topic...

voltmobileapp001_opt.jpg

voltmobileapp007_opt.jpg

voltmobileapp008_opt.jpg


voltmobileapp005_opt.jpg


voltmobileapp009_opt.jpg


Chevrolet and OnStar Give Volt Owners 24/7 Connection and Control via Wireless Smartphone Application

* Chevrolet Volt First Electric Vehicle to Demonstrate Wireless Smartphone Application
* Volt showcases technology beyond the battery with OnStar Mobile Application
* OnStar created a mobile application for Volt that provides drivers custom services and added control
* Charging Volt is easy, convenient and efficient with OnStar Mobile Application technology

LAS VEGAS – Chevrolet and OnStar unveiled the auto industry's first working smartphone application that will allow Chevrolet Volt owners 24/7 connection and control of vehicle functions and OnStar features remotely.

OnStar's Mobile Application 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.

The Chevrolet Volt OnStar smartphone application is designed to enhance the overall Volt ownership experience with interaction and control never offered before on any electric vehicle. The application:

* 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

"The Chevrolet Volt ushers in a new era of automotive technology and calls for a new level of connectivity and control," said Walt Dorfstatter, president, OnStar. "Nearly 6 million vehicles on the road today use OnStar to stay connected, and our new smartphone app will make that even easier for Volt drivers."

OnStar's real-time data connection also helps drivers maximize the environmental 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.

OnStar Mobile Application will be available for Volt owners at launch. Production for the Volt is scheduled to begin in late 2010. Pricing has not been announced.
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/05/gm-and-onstar-launch-sophisticated-mobile-app-for-volt/
 

grohl

Platinum Member
Jun 27, 2004
2,849
0
76
pretty cool. I hope Chevy is successful with the volt and it sells like crazy. If you are a US taxpayer, you should feel the same way.
 

MikeMike

Lifer
Feb 6, 2000
45,885
66
91
pretty cool. I hope Chevy is successful with the volt and it sells like crazy. If you are a US taxpayer, you should feel the same way.

The Volt will have no influence on Chevy for atleast 4 years, if not until the second gen... it will be sold at a loss... the Cruze is the vehicle ppl need to hope for... 40mpg. The Equinox is selling steadily.
 

Ronstang

Lifer
Jul 8, 2000
12,493
18
81
Can they write an app so they can actually make money or are we in continual bail-out mode for this stinker of a company?
 

MikeMike

Lifer
Feb 6, 2000
45,885
66
91
Great... now all it needs is a "find my car" app, and you just gave that bastard who stole your iPhone an even bigger payday :)

which is why as soon as your iphone gets stolen, you call onstar and tell them this info... then when the perp gets in the car, onstar remotely shuts the vehicle off, locks the perp in the car, and the police arrive and arrest him.
 

Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
70,557
13,801
126
www.anyf.ca
The volt really sounds interesting. I can't wait to hear more on it once more people have them. I am considering it as my next car. The thought of not having to buy gas sounds really awesome. I just don't know how well it would do in our climate.

As for the whole "bailout" my dad works at a Chevy/GM dealership and he says everything is pretty much back to normal now. They are finally getting new cars on the lot after months of waiting too. It's stupid really. people wanted to buy, but there were no cars!

Reading further on the volt, at least the 2011 model will charge in 3 hours if you install the 240v charging station! That is actually quite good, and I'm sure it will be improved over time. You have to plug your car anyway at night for the block heater, so it's not like it's a big change in routine to plug in an extra cord for charging.
 
Last edited:

Ronstang

Lifer
Jul 8, 2000
12,493
18
81
The Volt needs fuel of some kind to function. It is not a plug in only hybrid. From what I was told by the GM rep at the new car show last year it only has a 40 or so mile range on electric alone and after that it uses a small engine to generate electricity to run the electic motors.
 

MikeMike

Lifer
Feb 6, 2000
45,885
66
91
The Volt needs fuel of some kind to function. It is not a plug in only hybrid. From what I was told by the GM rep at the new car show last year it only has a 40 or so mile range on electric alone and after that it uses a small engine to generate electricity to run the electic motors.

yea, but if your drive to/from work is like 15 miles... 1 way, you never use gas...
 

Ronstang

Lifer
Jul 8, 2000
12,493
18
81
yea, but if your drive to/from work is like 15 miles... 1 way, you never use gas...

I would not suggest getting caught without gas in the tank. It is supposed to be a very fuel efficient vehicle when running on gasoline alone as an electric source. Just gas it up and drive it. This is of course if the REAL Volt lives up to all of GM's claims. I am anxiously awaiting it's arrival. I just hope it is affordable or it will just become a trinket of the rich.
 

Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
70,557
13,801
126
www.anyf.ca
The Volt needs fuel of some kind to function. It is not a plug in only hybrid. From what I was told by the GM rep at the new car show last year it only has a 40 or so mile range on electric alone and after that it uses a small engine to generate electricity to run the electic motors.

Yeah was reading that, but in my case it would be more then enough, I don't see myself driving more then 40 miles in a day.
 

DaWhim

Lifer
Feb 3, 2003
12,985
1
81
what is the point of this app? is the car coming to the market anytime soon at an affordable rate?
 

Zenmervolt

Elite member
Oct 22, 2000
24,514
44
91
which is why as soon as your iphone gets stolen, you call onstar and tell them this info... then when the perp gets in the car, onstar remotely shuts the vehicle off, locks the perp in the car, and the police arrive and arrest him.

Except that for most people, once the iPhone is stolen, there is no alternative phone available. :p

Also, that's precisely what I want, a pissed off robber who is locked in my car. There's no possibility that they'd trash it trying to get out or anything.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.