GM teams up with Google Maps to add ‘navigation’ feature to Chevy Volt Android app

Android app for the Chevrolet Volt will allow users to connect to OnStar remotely

It was reported last week that General Motors is working with Google to come up with a rival in-car technology system to Ford’s Microsoft SYNC – well, that’s not entirely true (at least not for now). General Motors announced today that it is working with Google to beef up its Chevrolet Volt app that it unveiled at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show in January.

Working with Google Maps, GM added a new tab to the Volt app called “navigation.” The section will allow the owner of the Volt to locate the current location of their vehicle pinpointed on Google Maps. Also from the map screen, owners can use Google to search by voice for local destinations with their Android handset. Once they find the location (related to the Volt’s current location), they can send the destination straight from their Android to their Volt and have OnStar Turn-By-Turn direct them to their venue.

Click here to read our first drive impressions of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt.

GM said that the new “navigation” functionality won’t be available with the Volt app at launch, but is planned for 2.0.

At launch, the Volt app will allow owners to see charge status, access the “Charge Now” feature or schedule future charging time. They can also see the percentage of battery charge and range level, send text or email notifications for charge reminders, display the mpg, remotely start the Volt to pre-condition the interior temperature of the vehicle and see the mpg, EV miles and miles driven from their last trip.

As for GM and Google working together to compete with Ford’s Microsoft SYNC system… Chris Preuss, OnStar president said:

“While OnStar will never lose sight of our core focus on safety and security, this relationship is an example of how we”re evolving our leadership position in connected vehicle technology. What we”re talking about today is only the beginning.”

You can read into that as much as you’d like.

Make the jump for the press release for more details.

First Drive: 2011 Chevrolet Volt:

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

Press Release:

OnStar Leverages Google technology to Connect Customers to the Chevrolet Volt

New features coming for Chevrolet Volt Mobile App

Detroit ““ OnStar is leveraging the power of Google technology to develop a number of new mobile app features that strengthen Chevrolet”s commitment to providing Volt customers with the most connected vehicle experience possible.

The public will get a peek at what OnStar is working on at the Google I/O conference May 19-20 in San Francisco, CA, where OnStar will debut and demonstrate new functionalities they”re developing for the Chevrolet Volt mobile application leveraging the AndroidTM platform.

“While OnStar will never lose sight of our core focus on safety and security, this relationship is an example of how we”re evolving our leadership position in connected vehicle technology,” said Chris Preuss, OnStar president. “What we”re talking about today is only the beginning.”

A new “navigation” tab has been added to the home screen of the existing Chevrolet Volt mobile app on the Android smartphone. When a Volt owner presses this tab, they will be able to see the current location of their Volt pinpointed on Google MapsTM , as well as their location relative to it.

From this map screen, owners can use Google search by voice to vocally search for a destination with their Android handset, and see where that destination is related to the Volt”s current location. They can then elect to send the destination from their Android phone to their Volt and have OnStar Turn-By-Turn directions to their destination waiting for them when they start the vehicle. Additionally, the owner will also have the option to get voice-guided directions to their vehicle from their current location, using Google Maps Navigation.

The new functionalities won”t be available on the Volt mobile app at launch, but are planned for a 2.0 version.

The smartphone mobile application for the Chevrolet Volt made its debut at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show and is planned to launch in tandem with the Volt this fall. Launch features include:

· Charge status display ““ plugged in or not and voltage (120V or 240V)

· Flexibility to “Charge Now” or schedule charge timing

· Display percentage of battery charge level, electric and total ranges

· Ability to manually set grid-friendly charge mode for off-peak times when electricity rates are lowest

· Send text or email notifications for charge reminders, interruptions and full charge

· Display 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

“These two new features add to the suite of mobile application features for Volt that given Volt owners a personal connection to their car,” said Tony DiSalle, Chevrolet Volt marketing director. “Connecting customers to their cars is one way we”re using technology to provide value and a real useful benefit to the Volt owner.”

– By: Omar Rana