New Smartphone App Will Let You Interface With Chevy Volt

The coming Chevrolet Volt from GM will be one of the first attempts to introduce electric vehicles into the hands of mainstream consumers. GM is pulling out all the innovative stops to peek interest in the Volt, including unveiling at the Consumer Electronics Show a new smartphone application which will let you communicate with your electric car.

The Volt smartphone application, which will be available for Droid by Motorola, Apple iPhone and Blackberry Storm phones, provide users “a real-time data connection to perform tasks from setting the charge time to unlocking the doors.” It does this through OnStar Mobile connectivity, designed to provide 24/7 control of vehicle functions and OnStar features remotely.

Plans exist to let those with a mobile browser on other internet-capable phones use a version of the application as well. A wide variety of features will be available when application debuts at the same time the Volt debuts in late 2010. These features will include displaying charging status, scheduling charging times, sending texts to remind yourself to charge the car, displaying trip computer style information, remotely starting the car and pre-conditioning the interior temperature.