Tag Archives: auto apps

Electric Car Charging Station Apps

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It seems inevitable that the electric car will be a part of our future. With fuel efficiency standards becoming tighter, automobile manufacturers will include electric vehicles (EV) in their line ups in order to meet them. Even though this technology has come a long way in the last decade, auto manufacturers are still looking for additional ways to help the consumer get the most out of their EV’s.

One of the biggest drawbacks of an electric vehicle is the need to charge the battery. Having a charging station at home and at work makes electric car commutes trouble free, but long trips can make drivers uneasy. A new smart phone app hopes to relieve this anxiety by allowing hybrid and electric car drivers to find charging stations wherever they go. The app will let drivers know where the stations are, if they are available and whether the station offers free or paid charging. Some of the apps will even allow you to reserve the charging station, leave comments about the stations, as well as give you a street views through Google Street View. Some of the newest applications being launched include ChargePoint, ECOtality, Recargo, and PlugShare.

Ford Sync Technology Expands

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Ford has announced that they will be expanding their Sync AppLink software program to an additional ten models for the 2012 new vehicle line up, as well as significantly increasing their development team for the Sync over the next four years. Ford’s Sync infotainment system, first introduced on the 2011 Fiesta, has become popular amongst drivers who demand communication and internet mobility hands free through their smartphones. According to Doug VanDagens, director of Ford’s Connected Services Solutions, the number of apps for the Sync has grown over 150% in the last six months and developers have shown much interest in working with Ford to develop their apps to work with Sync. It is important to develop the Sync system to keep up with the demands of the customer while allowing for easy upgrades in app development.

The Sync AppLink will be available in the 2012 Ford Fusion, Fusion hybrid, Fiesta, F-150, F-150 SVT Raptor, Super Duty, Expedition, E-Series, Shelby GT500 and Mustang. Ford also said it will expand the availability of rear seat inflatable seat belts to three additional vehicles beginning next summer. They will now be made available on the 2012 Ford Flex as well as the Lincoln MKT and MKZ.

OnStar Apps For The Chevrolet Volt EV

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Chevrolet and OnStar unveiled the first working smartphone application that will allow owners 24/7 connection and control of vehicle functions and OnStar features remotely. The first to receive this new technology will be the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle which is scheduled to hit the show rooms later this year.

The Chevrolet Volt OnStar smartphone application is designed to enhance the Volt ownership experience with interaction and control never offered before.

  • With this application, owners will be able to remotely monitor and charge their vehicle and can be sent an e-mail informing them of the status.
  • Traditional OnStar features such as door lock, unlock and remote horn and lights – which have typically been accessible only through a call into the OnStar call center – will now be available via the application.
  • Volt drivers can also view and manage vehicle systems and commands from the vehicle, the internet or through a monthly OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics e-mail.
  • The new services, including the ability to read text messages aloud, play music from the Internet-based provider Pandora and post updates to Facebook, won’t be available for a few months, but these and other apps are in the testing phase.
  • Additional upgrades that OnStar is planning include hardware to turn the cars into roving Wi-Fi hotspots. This will allow passengers to share the wireless Internet connection using other devices, like laptops and tablet computers, in the car. The Wi-Fi option won’t appear in 2011 models, but they could be upgraded with U.S.B. attached Wi-Fi routers in the future.

Chris Preuss, president of OnStar said that OnStar is taking a measured approach and is sensitive to the issue of driver distractions. “There’s the issue of what you can do, and then there’s the issue of what you should do,” he said. “We are going to be extremely vigilant on this issue. Just because something is possible, doesn’t always mean we should do it.”