OnStar and Chevy show off multiplatform smartphone apps for Volt electric car

OnStar and Chevy announced a new application for popular smartphones that will allow users to see critical data, control charging and even remote starting the new electric Chevrolet Volt. OnStar created the app that will run on the iPhone, Android and BlackBerry OS. The app is a first for electric vehicles.

The smartphone app from OnStar looks to be quite handy. According to the press release, the application allows:

• 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

Created by the OnStar EV Lab, traditional OnStar features such as remote lock open, remote lock, remote horn and lights all required a call into OnStar. The new app will allow these features accessed from the app. That should make the service more useful.

Here at Gadgetell, we’ve a mixed view of OnStar. While the new app looks to be a great extension to their service, we’d be remiss if we didn’t reference the problems with older analog OnStar users that were left in the lurch when OnStar went digital and offered no upgrade path for loyal OnStar customers with the older gear.

The Volt is an extended range electric vehicle that is designed to travel 40 miles using electric power only. After the battery is depleted, an engine/generator kicks in to extend the range to 300 miles between refueling.

Pricing for the app/service is yet to be determined but will be available at the Volt’s launch targeted for late 2010. No word if OnStar will open the App up to non-Volt owners.

App site: [OnStar Mobile Experience]