MyVolt.com and OnStar MyLink Mobile App allows remote access to Chevy Volt

MyVolt.com

As a part of the owning experience, 2011 Chevrolet Volt owners will get their own website that will allow them remote access to their vehicle and control various functions on their extended-range electric-vehicle (or a plug-in hybrid depending on how you want to look at it).

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Volt.

The website will go hand-in-hand with the OnStar MyLink Mobile App, which will be available for select smartphones later this month.

“Tools like MyVolt.com and the OnStar MyLink Mobile App put command and control into the hands of our customers” said Preuss.  “Our technology allows customers to take control of their energy consumption by making informed choices about their charging needs.”

MyVolt.com and the app will allow owners to check their battery”s state of charge, setting the charge time and unlocking the doors.  It also:

  • Displays charge status, indicating whether the car is plugged in or not, and at what voltage (120V or 240V)
  • Provides flexibility to “Charge Now” or schedule charging at a later time
  • Displays percentage of battery charge level and expected electric and total ranges
  • Displays  miles per gallon, electric only miles, odometer readings and miles driven for last trip
  • Remotely starts the vehicle to pre-condition the interior temperature

Hit the jump for the press release for more details.

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

Refresher: The 2011 Chevrolet Volt is powered by 16-kWh, “T”-shaped lithium-ion battery that powers the electric drive unit, which allows it to drive 40 miles on battery power alone. The system puts out 149-hp and a maximum torque of 273 lb-ft, allowing the Volt to go from 0-60 mph in about 9 seconds, hitting a top speed of 100 mph. The battery can be re-charged by plugging into a household outlet and takes 4 hours to recharge on 240 volts, and about 10-12 hours on a standard 120-volt outlet. The Chevrolet Volt also carries an 84-hp 1.4 4-clyinder engine that allows the five-door, FWD sedan to travel additional miles while averaging a fuel-economy of 50 mpg. A fully charged battery and full tank of gas will allow the Volt to travel 310 miles. Prices for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt start at $41,000 but with a full federal income tax credit (which range from $0 to $7,500), the Volt can cost a total of $33,500.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

OnStar Extends Chevy Volt Owners Connected Customer Experience

Press Release:

  • MyVolt.com Allows Owners to Take Charge with 24/7 Access to their Vehicle
  • OnStar Technology Readies Chevrolet Volt for Smart Grid Connectivity

MyVolt.com, a new website that will give Chevrolet Volt owners the ability to remotely access operational information specific to their vehicle and control various functions of their car, will be available this month for select smart phones, OnStar President Chris Preuss said today.

The new website leverages OnStar”s real-time data connection to enhance the overall Volt ownership experience.  It allows owners to perform tasks including checking their battery”s state of charge, setting the charge time and unlocking the doors.  It also:

  • Displays charge status, indicating whether the car is plugged in or not, and at what voltage (120V or 240V)
  • Provides flexibility to “Charge Now” or schedule charging at a later time
  • Displays percentage of battery charge level and expected electric and total ranges
  • Displays  miles per gallon, electric only miles, odometer readings and miles driven for last trip
  • Remotely starts the vehicle to pre-condition the interior temperature

Volt owners will be able to manually set grid-friendly charge modes for off-peak times when electricity rates are lowest and then send text or email notifications for charge reminders, interruptions of charging and when a full charge is complete.

Chevrolet Volt owners can also opt-in to receive a monthly OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics e-mail report summarizing the results from queries of several hundred diagnostic trouble codes as well as understanding their energy efficiency, maintenance information, tire pressure, and OnStar account status.

The new site also links Chevrolet Volt owners direct to social media channels like Facebook and Twitter facilitating the immediate sharing of information like energy efficiency, driving history, rate/charging details and other vehicle operational attributes to their personal social network.

“OnStar technology makes the Chevrolet Volt Smart Grid ready direct from the factory” said Preuss.  “The technology is simple, intuitive and helps subscribers work cooperatively with their utility company to manage real-time load requirements that are both economically and environmentally friendly.”

The Volt comes standard with five years of OnStar Directions and Connections service, which includes Automatic Crash Response, OnStar Destination Download and eNAV Navigation, Hands-Free Calling and Stolen Vehicle Assistance. The OnStar MyLink Mobile App will be available for Volt owners on select smartphones Oct. 30.

OnStar demonstrated the functionality of the OnStar MyLink Mobile App for the Chevrolet Volt at the Consumer Electronics Show in January.

The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle with extended-gas range capability. When the Volt”s lithium-ion battery runs low, a gas engine seamlessly engages to extend the total driving range before the driver needs to refuel or recharge the battery. In moderate conditions, the Chevrolet Volt will offer 25-50 miles of electric, gas-free driving and an additional 310 miles of extended gasoline range (based on GM testing; official EPA estimates not yet available).

– By: Omar Rana