Chevrolet Releases Volt App
This isn’t the first time automotive manufacturers have connected the automobile to the cell phone. GM’s OnStar service has been using cellular advisements to keep owners apprised of their vehicle’s status and condition. Fiat has a cellular application that keeps track of a driver’s habits to increase fuel economy. And now the Volt has one of its very own.
Based on the familiar OnStar system, the application allows drivers to remotely control their Volt’s charging system, both increasing fuel economy and maintaining the ultra-complex plug-in hybrid’s battery system. Using a system of alerts and timers, owners can set their phone to remind them to plug in their car while simultaneously keeping abreast of the car’s current charge level and subsequent range. Also, the app will allow owners to plug their Volt in and delay charging until their local power grid drops off peak hours, saving money on their hydro bill. The app will even allow owners to pre-condition the car prior to each drive, adjusting climate control (using electrical power from the plug, not the battery) and conditioning the battery to allow better performance.
The app will be available on the Apple iPhone, Blackberry Storm, and Motorola Droid with the intention of expanding to Android phones in the near future.
