We learned previously that GM was working to produce mobile phone applications unique to the Chevy Volt. GM has now just unveiled the details of those apps at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Los Vegas and has made demonstration versions available to the public for download.
There will be apps for the iPhone, the Blackberry and, the Droid. There will also be a web-browser interface.
The apps will integrate into the Volt’s OnStar system enabling both groundbreaking vehicle remote control operations as well as information retreival.
The apps will permit the following real-time remote operations:
1. Display the car’s charging status and schedule charging. There is also an immediate ”charge now” override option
2. Display of the car’ state of charge, as well as electric and total ranges
3. Allow the driver to program grid-friendly charging times, so as to charge only when rates are low
4. Give the driver text or email notifications if the car wasn’t plugged in
5. Let the driver remotely precondition the vehicle’s cabin temperature using grid electricity when plugged in, operates both heating and air conditioning
6. Notify the driver if charging is for some reason interrupted, and when its fully charged
7. Display the car’s historic fuel economy performance data in mpg, electric only miles, and odometer reading
“The Chevrolet Volt ushers in a new era of automotive technology and calls for a new level of connectivity and control,” said Walt Dorfstatter, president, OnStar. “Nearly 6 million vehicles on the road today use OnStar to stay connected, and our new smartphone app will make that even easier for Volt drivers.”
The capability of controlling OnStar functions via the mobile applications leads to other groundbreaking opportunities for the vehicle. The doors can be locked and unlocked remotely, and the lights flashed and horn blown for vehicle localization in a large parking area.
Volt owners can also opt-in for monthly Volt diagnostics reports which will also be archived on the Volt owners unique website.
Demonstration versions of the apps for Blackberry and Droid can be downloaded here: OnStarMobileDemo.com
The iPhone app is available on the iTunes store.
Two words: freakin’ awesome!
Gallery:
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (12:04 am)why no windows mobile app? i have a windows mobile smartphone and so do alot of other people.
+4
Jan 6th, 2010 (12:15 am)Looks like I’ll have to get a Droid! Exciting times!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+10
Jan 6th, 2010 (12:22 am)Unfortunately the marketshare for windows mobile phones has dropped to single digits. There current phones are just not selling, why make a product for a platform who’s market share has little future.
+30
Jan 6th, 2010 (12:23 am)No, this can’t be. The previous post said the Volt will be a lemon and won’t sell. This is the kind of thing that can only be related to a hot selling new trend type product. And even unveiled at CES not an auto show. How can that be, a car as a consumer electronic appliance. Sounds like a grand slam home run to me!!! I think I may be liking the new GM thinking.
+8
Jan 6th, 2010 (12:27 am)I’m sure there will be an open-source version that comes out eventually.
In any event, it looks like GM hit the nail on the head with this. And the great thing is that using the app correctly isn’t life-or-death like for a pure BEV. If you mess up and it doesn’t charge right you aren’t stuck. It should help people learn to manage their charging which will allow them to have an easier transition to pure BEVs in the future.
+5
Jan 6th, 2010 (12:28 am)Definitely some outside the box thinking by GM.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+6
Jan 6th, 2010 (12:29 am)A general web-browser interface will allow you to monitor/control your Volt EV from anywhere on the planet! (make sure you have a good password)
>>This also enables Utilities to give you better electricity rates because they can tell all the *participating* Volts to start charging when there is an excess of electricity from, say, many wind turbines in a strong wind. In Spain recently the wind turbines were, for a short period, generating 54% of that countries’ electricity demand and the Utilities actually had to shut down wind turbines due to excess generation (they couldn’t turn the coal-fired production low enough). It would have been great to have a fleet of electric vehicles absorb the excess power instead of letting it go to waste (thus the ability to lower rates).
*I believe that many of the cost benefits of EVs will turn out to have been greatly ,em>underestimated due to these kinds of counter-intuitive benefits from non-peak power usage.
+3
Jan 6th, 2010 (12:34 am)Just downloaded to my iPhone. Very cool and useful features IMO. Nicknamed my Volt “Freedom”.
Thanks Lyle.
+5
Jan 6th, 2010 (12:49 am)This is just the start of Car 2.0. The main question is how much will the service cost. OnStar has a very low data rate and high expense. Toyota and the rest of the crew will just use standard 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi to give the same functionality at a much higher data rate.
So, let’s compare costs and then GM can decide to stick with OnStar or get ready with standard networks. I say work on both. OnStar might offer some unique and secure functionality that some wealthy customers might pay extra for. For the cheap seats, free Wi-Fi is the way to go. Here is the order:
1) Wi-Fi – cheap and fast but must be in range of a hub.
2) 3G – extremely fast data rate, standardized network but low availability at the moment.
3) OnStar – special functionality but at a much higher cost.
Jan 6th, 2010 (12:59 am)Yeah, d/l for the iPhone version. It was pretty cool. Obviously no real functionality other than the demo for the next 10 months, but cool nonetheless. The ability to text me and remind me if my Volt isn’t plugged in is a huge plus. As long as its smart enough to not text me if I’m not at home (which it should know via GPS).
+20
Jan 6th, 2010 (1:15 am)From that website if you look at the screenshots of the phones you will see total mpg, ev miles, and total miles and can calculate the generator mode mpg at about 50mpg. Assuming real world data in the images.
Sample 1 from Blackberry image
————
1071 total miles
731 ev miles
158 mpg
therefore
1071-731 = 340 gas miles
1071/158 = 6.79 gallons
340/6.79 = 50.1 mpg in generator mode
Sample 2 from Droid image
————
1089 total miles
749 ev miles
160 mpg
therefore
1089-749 = 340 gas miles
1089/160 = 6.81 gallons
340/6.81 = 49.9 mpg in generator mode
Jan 6th, 2010 (1:18 am)I ordered a Nexus One phone this morning. This will be my first app to download! =)
Jan 6th, 2010 (2:15 am)Great idea and beautiful software pictures.
What about hacking protection? I wouldn’t like to hear my car horning in the middle of the night just because someone would have cracked my OnStar account.
What about subscription fees for “staying connected”? It would cost more than filling the tank…
Anyway, this kind of features won’t be available in europe.
Jan 6th, 2010 (2:15 am)Melissa used her iPhone to email her studly Voltfriend here, at about 4 min in:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl2bWaIJYyU
-32
Jan 6th, 2010 (2:42 am)(click to show comment)
+3
Jan 6th, 2010 (3:24 am)Heh, maybe they could give away a free ipod touch with each Volt? Free ability with WiFi internet!
To Pat #13 ar 2:42 AM
EV and EREV is about making the right value proposition. If your waiting for the purchase price of the EV/EREV/PHEV to be less than a comparable ICE car… you have a long long time to wait.
Value is about features delievered and long term cost.
This application is a great example of the new types of things that could easily be done for any electric car… maybe using WiFi connection or some sort of linked communication system (Since OnStar is expense). Clearly no sub 20k C-segment car will ever have anything as cool as this application.
No matter what your personal beliefs about the affordability of the Volt. Here are the facts,
the Average -NEW- automobile in the US sells approximately 30k transaction price. GM’s average tranaction price is actually -higher- than this. Throw in that the average -NEW- automobile is roughly 22 MPG combined (consider all the trucks/CUVs etc and this number is still pretty high!) and apparently the average Auto purchase these days is a 40-45 thosand dollar choice. Apparently plently of the working stiffs out there (BTW, the Median hourly income is closer to 18 dollars an hour according to the IRS. This means a full 50% earn, for tax purposes, more than 18 dollars a working hour) that will shell out 50k+ over 5-10 years to ride around in a V6 family sedan or Truck.
People need to get a Grip. At 40k with a 7,500 rebate the Volt fits right where it should TCO wise. Below V6 normal cars and I4 luxury C-segment cars. Even if we remove the 7,500 rebate, the Volt is no more expensive than say a V6 Ford Fusion or Audi A3 TDI.
+7
Jan 6th, 2010 (3:34 am)Yep, the app looks great on the Droid, too. Man, this is exciting stuff. Go GM!!
+12
Jan 6th, 2010 (3:45 am)at #13
Its really shocking what people try to get away with
According to the Social Security Adminstration, the average yearly wage for 2008 was ~41,300 earned over a average of 47 weeks of actual work. What does this mean? The Average Hourly wage for a US worker falls between 20-22 dollars an hour. I have read recently (but I can’t find the source) that the Median US wage is threatening to break 20 dollars a hour. This means a good 50%+ of people earn above 18-19 dollars an hour. A far cry from your depiction of “10%”.
In 2009, according to Comerica Bank, the average purchase price of a car rose past 26,000 dollars. Considering the drastic TCO difference between electric and gasoline operation, a Tax Credit Volt falls -under- the TCO of the average new car purchase in many areas of the country (Nightime recharging rates less than 0.10 dollars per kWh required).
So enough with the misinformation and misdirection.
The Volt is a car than the majority of new car purchasers can afford, with the tax credit. Without the tax credit, it is still affordably by a very significant minority of new charge purchasers.
Its up to GM to provide the value. Things like this APP show GM is attacking the problem head on… they are attempting to provide new and unique features… rather than relying soley on the 80%+ reduction in gasoline usage (a significant value items for diverse groups.
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (4:11 am)My opinion too, but here in Europe On Star is inexistant …for now.
Regards,
JC NPNS
-8
Jan 6th, 2010 (4:13 am)The precondition especially preheat control is missing.
Jan 6th, 2010 (4:26 am)Thanks Lyle, great post,
GM seems to quit its old model and enter the Modern Age.
It is about time that GM reacts, see what Better Place intends to offer as connectivity.
http://www.betterplace.com/company/video-detail/a-day-in-the-life-with-a-better-place-electric-vehicle/
Regards,
JC NPNS
+6
Jan 6th, 2010 (4:26 am)Thats the remote start function…. which doesn’t appear to let you change the temperature, just goes to the present one I guess (think about what remote start means for an EV)
Jan 6th, 2010 (5:35 am)Just saw the demo video on Engadget, this looks a lot better and more functional than I imagined. Definitely adds another reason to buy the car, but I hope it doesn’t require the more expensive OnStar package to work.
Jan 6th, 2010 (6:26 am)I am good with this as long as it’s not required to have one of these phones to operate the car. Some people will love it and others prefer to keep the driving experience simple and as stress free as possible. I also fear that some people can’t resist texting their car while driving. There are still alot of us simpletons out here that aren’t ready to implant these devices into every aspect of our life just yet.
+4
Jan 6th, 2010 (6:49 am)The Volt will sell very well and as the early adopters of EVs start using them, the price will drop and it will take some pressure off of fuel prices which will help those making less money too.
The Volt is not for everyone. But for those who can afford it, it is looking great….
+9
Jan 6th, 2010 (6:51 am)The cars interface will do everything. This is just for those who might have the phones and want to do it remotely. The App really is not that big of a deal for a programmer and adds very little to the Volt development cost. But, it adds a great deal to the Volts cool factor. Great Job GM.
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (7:20 am)If you are looking for the iphone app search for “Onstar” and pick the “Onstar Experience” app…
The link in the article only takes you to the generic itunes home page
– should probably add to main article
+9
Jan 6th, 2010 (7:21 am)It should also tell me if the car is being stolen or broken into.
Jan 6th, 2010 (7:38 am)The Chevrolet Volt ushers in a new era of automotive technology,” said OnStar president Walt Dorfstatter.
Here are many of the things a Volt owner will be able to do with a smart phone:
– Check how much charge is left on the car.
– Schedule a charge, or start charging the vehicle, as long as it’s plugged in.
– Check how much battery life is left on the car.
– Receive texts or emails from the car when the charge is complete, has been interrupted or reminders to charge the car.
– Find out the miles available on the battery, the gas-powered generator, and updates drivers on how many miles have been driving using each power source.
– Lock or unlock the doors.
– Start the heat or the air conditioning prior to entering the car.
http://www.freep.com/article/20100105/BUSINESS0101/100105075/1319/Chevy-to-use-smart-phone-with-Volt
=D~
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (7:48 am)Just back from surfing 5 sites which feature the phone app news. Why do these sites continue to display photos of the 2007 Volt concept? This list includes greenbeat.
=D~
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (7:50 am)Here is another video that shows some of the instrument panel displays and functions.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87XgEGxcQZY&feature=player_embedded
+2
Jan 6th, 2010 (7:52 am)Man am I glad I just got a Droid! whew…
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (7:57 am)Does this mean I don’t have to drive home when significant other locks the keys in the house? Can I start her Volt so she can drive to me to get them?
Jan 6th, 2010 (8:01 am)I agree, but it will be more than 10 years until there are enough electric cars to make this a reality. But at that time electric rates will go down for everyone, because utilities won’t need excess capacity to handle peak loads as they do now. They can spread out the demand over the day and lower the overall cost of electricity.
I am too cheap to have a blackberry, I have just a simple cell phone for calls and texting. I’m on PC all day so can control from web browser, but I guess when I’m at a mall I’ll be wishing I had the ability to honk the horn so I can find the car. Maybe I’ll just look for it in the section of the parking lot that has free charging for EVs!
Yesterdays topic of the volt being a flop or not, who knows. But certainly there will be a demand for many millions of EREV/BEVs worldwide (Europe/US in particular), and after the first few million are sold the prices will come down and everyone will want one (Work Places and Apartments will need to install parking lot charge stations).
Can’t wait to hear when GEN 2 and higher volumes are planned.
+3
Jan 6th, 2010 (8:08 am)This is where I do think GM is taking a small risk with not committing to larger volumes quickly. There is much more demand then they seem to realize for these cars, which is fine as long as some other company doesn’t come along and take the market share.
GM may think it is ok if the Leaf takes the early market share lead by producing more vehicles in 2011/12, thinking they can ramp up later with the better product. But if in 2013 Nissan can drop a new improved battery in there with 200 mile range, the Volt could be in trouble.
This could turn out to be a race for market share and lining up suppliers and manufacturing capability because if the Next Gen batteries are cheaper, lighter, better, they won’t be able to make enough of them to meet demand.
Jan 6th, 2010 (8:15 am)I like it.
But no GPS?
What about a temp feedback so i can shut the heater/AC off if my cabin is already warm/cool?
… so many options to think about, again, i like it.
+3
Jan 6th, 2010 (8:19 am)GM should do the apps as open source project. That way more apps will be available and GM can actually make new standard for car-smart phone interface.
Jan 6th, 2010 (8:22 am)Clearly now, the finer details are emerging. Technical detailing is finalizing. There might be some merit in the idea of an additional second production line for those who have these phone options (I’ll have to upgrade like Tag), for a production run for additional Voltec vehicles to do Field Research Studies.
Possibly to test newer technical designs very frequently requiring frequent stops for component changes at the Chevy Store for “real world” tests of those components. And, to share additional ideas for when the situations present themselves. This is important for acquiring new ideas because they inspire when the situation happens, and often, the opportunities to convey them do not recurr later. Also, what might seem insignificant or just of slight interet to the driver, might be of good interest and importance to the OnStar tech.
Austin had 68 days above 100 degrees last Summer. Some valualbe interdependencies could easily be checked out here, or in New Mexico, Arizona, etc. There is a huge difference between computers transmitting data, and a real person communicating the critical realities of what is going on when that data comes in.
Part of the job may be getting the surrounding facts from the owner in addition to accessed data. This is critical in order to not get sidetracked with delays toward getting the right and even more revealing conclusions.
On the other hand, everyone getting a Volt could be a “feild researcher” for GM, couldn’t they.
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (8:27 am)What about GPS functionality? Can I pull up Google Maps etc. and see where my car is? The folks at On-Star can do it, so the only real question is will GM let us do it. It would be a great feature for anyone letting their teenager borrow the car. In the event of car theft, however, it’s best to let OnStar and the police handle it. We don’t need any vigilantes out there!
I don’t have one of these phones, so I can’t download the demo to find out the answer myself…
+3
Jan 6th, 2010 (8:33 am)Tom, you make a good point. 28k sticker for a car that will achieve 180+ miles per charge is a lot of money. 200 miles per charge is attractive. 300 miles per charge is very attractive.
Once the Volt has been released and common driver feedback helps to resolve the minor issues within the Delta EREV platform. GM must begin expanding the product line. But you’re right. We are entering the era of the EV race. Lithium is the ammo and disgust with Big Oil is the driving force.
=D~
+2
Jan 6th, 2010 (8:35 am)Great news and a clear sign that the VOLT team at GM is not letting anything slip through the cracks. Tying VOLT into current mainstream cutting edge technology is brilliant and will lead to a new wave of VOLT enthusiasts. I can already see real-world gaming sites popping up where VOLT owners compete to get the highest effective mpg; the highest percentage of EV miles; the longest single charge all EV cruise; etc. The VOLT will quickly become a viral success socially even if GM can’t build nearly enough vehicles to meet demand.
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (8:38 am)It’s my understanding that the OnStar is there for the first year free, then it’s something like $199 a year afterwards. I think that’s worth it just to be able to talk to GM.
(You just know that’s what’s going to happen because you’re going to have GM as a “captive technical audience” LOL!!!).
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (8:53 am)I downloaded the app onto my iphone and it’s pretty slick. This app and the onstar interface sure would allow me to do pretty much anything I need to do with regards to my Volt. Bravo GM.
Jan 6th, 2010 (9:01 am)Demo app is sweet! This just re-enforced my desire to get a Volt! So many additional features can be added in the future.
Patiently waiting in cold Central CT for our availability date.
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (9:15 am)Security will be a huge issue. If the hack-bois can get into Hilton’s phone address book, what’s to stop them from unlocking your Volt?
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (9:25 am)Your numbers are way too pessimistic. According to the US Census over 15% of American households have incomes of over $100K. That is over 17 million households. There are plenty of people out there that can afford a Volt at $40K.
The medium income in the US is over $44K. That means that over 50% of the households earn more than that. That is over $21 an hour. Not the $16 you quote.
It is true that there are a lot of people who can’t afford a Volt but that won’t matter for the first few years. There’s plenty who can.
+3
Jan 6th, 2010 (9:25 am)….And as Lyle says at the conclusion of his terrific article: “Freakin’ Awesome”!
+3
Jan 6th, 2010 (9:28 am)Imagine someday there are 50,000 volts out there, and someone hacks into all the cars to run the heater or air conditioner non stop, or does something to discharge the battery.
I would hope there is a manual option to just run and program everything without onstar. Fancy options are nice, but all I want is the ability to plug it in and say charge now, or charge at a certain time. Eventually the utilities will want to control when to charge to offer lower rates, but that won’t be for many years (and hopefully security will be proven by then).
Jan 6th, 2010 (9:39 am)I’ve downloaded and played w/the app a bit on my Ipod touch. Looks nice, i see some room for improvement/changes, but its a great starting point.
I don’t know why GM just doesn’t put up a flash demo of this on their Volt site, so people who don’t have smartphones/ipods can play w/it. I assume this will be able to be done over the web too via a PC, or will you always need to use a smart device?
+2
Jan 6th, 2010 (9:40 am)Very well targeted use of tech to enhance the experience of the Volt. All those charge control functions that you can administer in the comfort of your home / office, instead of spending time in the parking lot or garage. Imagine being able to show others the real-time AE mileage and fuel economy to further promote the vehicle.
THESE are vehicle enhancing features, as opposed to the extra cup holder, or random port for an electronic device.
-6
Jan 6th, 2010 (9:40 am)They need to be able to do Firmware Updates via iPhone !
Also, the iPhone has already been demonstrated on YT that it can auto-pilot an occupied vehicle successfully with ease. I would really like to see the Volt Steering System totally integrated with the iPhone ‘s User Interface in real-time.
If GM can’t (or won’t) get this done then they need to contract the experts at Apple (they can do this kinda stuff in their sleep).
The OnStar integration is a nice “first” step but they need to put this program into overdrive and start thinking outside the old gearhead box. This ain’t your old man’s oldsmobile here, this is GM’s future we be talkin’bout.
Objective C rocks !
Geek Out.
+2
Jan 6th, 2010 (9:43 am)I like your post, even if it is just a tad bit “over the top” in enthusiasm. Positive thinking is good after all.
+4
Jan 6th, 2010 (9:43 am)I disagree. A larger (and cheaper) battery is still extremely time consuming to recharge if you are on the road, and you are not even guaranteed to find a suitable recharge location. It all comes back to the range extender giving ultimate freedom. Something else to consider… if 2013 yields better and cheaper batteries for the LEAF, then the Volt could aso get cheaper and less expensive batteries depending on patent protection, supply agreements, etc. That could shave thousands off the sale price of the Volt, while still retaining the advantage of the range extender.
Jan 6th, 2010 (9:59 am)Seems like a security app is in order. “Lock” and “Unlock” function. If car is Locked and starts moving an email is sent to the phone (or whatever email address you want).
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (10:11 am)There no doubt is a place for both EREV and BEVs in the marketplace, depending on cost of vehicle and availability of charging stations at work and at apartments.
Over night and at work is enough to charge a battery, especially at 220/240 volts. But if you are talking about interstate travel then yes the Volt has the Leaf beat for a long time.
And certainly if a few years see lighter cheaper better batteries it not only helps the leaf but helps the volt almost as much.
My point is still about market share, but certainly the leaf and Volt intersect in their market. There are folks that need interstate travel and won’t buy the Leaf. There are folks that don’t need interstate travel and will buy the Leaf if it is cheaper to operate and they can achieve more AER with their driving patterns.
It is the folks that would buy either car that is available first and affordable that I’m talking about.
+2
Jan 6th, 2010 (10:12 am)OnStar is kinda expensive. Lame, it should work over WiFI when its in my garage.
+2
Jan 6th, 2010 (10:16 am)I have the HTC Dream Android phone, I imagine by the time the Volt hits the ground the app will be ported over. I have no idea what if any difference there is between the Motorola version and my Google version of Android.
My son has an ipod touch though so I’ll get him to download the app so we can play with it!
On the security front, it seems to me that the best way to go would be to ‘pair’ the phone with the car (much like you do with your bluetooth headset) that with your PIN (password) would provide pretty decent confidentiality while remaining easy to use..
Jan 6th, 2010 (10:16 am)I am looking to buy in second half of 2012, and I will consider a BEV like the Leaf If it is a lot cheaper, the Volt is not available in Ohio etc.
But yes it will make me nervous because of power failures then I’m trapped, and no interstate travel. Fortunately I don’t live in hurricane territory. Folks in Florida, Southern Texas etc., with a Leaf are in trouble if they need to evacuate.
Jan 6th, 2010 (10:18 am)Recharging of the 100+ mile per charge BEV is a real issue. The Leaf will recharge over night but requires the 240/220volt charger. Pop a bigger battery into it and you will need fast charging stations. With the Volt being able to plug into a standard 110v outlet and charge over night you have a lot more flexibility. Eventually when large batteries and fast charge stations become common then the need/benefit for the range extender will be greatly reduced but that is years down the road.
+2
Jan 6th, 2010 (10:18 am)I will have to download the app after I get to work.
Does it play the “VOLT Song” when you turn it on?
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (10:20 am)No Range Extender no sale.
+5
Jan 6th, 2010 (10:41 am)Nice looking apps…but I going to sound a little negative for most this rant.
Looks like GM is looking for their profit margin on the Volt from OnStar. I just have a distaste for another subscription service with their various price adders…when will it stop.
- Land Line phone service
- Mobile phone service
- Internet/data connection at home
- Internet/data connection on mobile phone
- Satellite radio
- Cable TV
and do not forget…OnStar. It looks like to use these apps…you will need an OnStar & mobile phone data subscription and $40K+ vehicle at a minimum. And do not forget the inflated auto insurance premium for an expensive vehicle. Of course, the insurance company may knock off $50 per year due to improved security since you are connected to your car almost constantly. As long as you keep the $100 per month subscription sevices (Onstar and mobile phone data connection).
But it is still COOL.
-3
Jan 6th, 2010 (10:53 am)Yes and “640K ought to be enough for anybody.” – Bill Gates, 1981
If you follow Microsoft, Steve Ballmer commented that Microsoft missed the boat with Windows Mobile 6 and prior versions. He also stated that Microsoft expected to drop to at least third in market share in the cell phone market as Microsoft re-vamps the mobile OS. Some improvements were seen in Windows Mobile 6.5, but the real proof of if Microsoft gets it or not concerning smart phones will be in Windows Mobile 7. Windows Mobile is far from dead and if they can keep with their promises (though always late) there are several research groups that are predicting Windows Mobile to grab a significant share of the market. The predictions are that Windows Mobile and Google will be the major players. These predictions are made because the gen 2 iPhone was more of a fix of gen 1′s problems than a next version of the phone. This means that Apple may have gone for the initial punch (at which they did a heck of a job) but may not be able to go for the knock out. I use a Windows Mobile 6.0 phone. I love it and all the things I can do with it that my supervisor can’t do with his iPhone. Still, the iPhone is fast, easy to use and you have to love that big screen. The comment that the Windows Mobile market share has little future is a foolish statement. We’ve seen this before. Remember, Apple at one time was dead too. Still does the fact that there is no mobile app for my future Volt for a Windows Mobile phone bother me? Sure, that’s why I’ve just kicked off an email to a Microsoft friend of mine saying what the…where’s my Windows Mobile app?
-13
Jan 6th, 2010 (11:02 am)(click to show comment)
+5
Jan 6th, 2010 (11:04 am)#24
Thank you sir! Count me as being on the simpleton list. I guess I’m revealed as the hopeless fossil I am. Gadgetry for the sake of gadgetry is a curse to me. 10-88. KISS.
+2
Jan 6th, 2010 (11:14 am)Don’t put the cart before the horse.
Get the Volt first.
+2
Jan 6th, 2010 (11:15 am)My goal is to maximize AER (for the money) and still get where I need to go. The Volt will work great for me b/c I’ll charge at work, at home , wherever during the day. More than 40 miles AER would be better but having the second fuel option is terrific as well.
I am confident the Volt will be affordable, though I’d rather have a larger vehicle.
I’m just saying if the Leaf costs 10,000 less than the Volt there will be folks that can use it as a second car. Most people will need at least one car that can fuel and go like the Volt. but if the Volt can be price competitive with the Leaf (I think it can), then it can be the FIRST and SECOND car for folks.
Jan 6th, 2010 (11:20 am)Arrrgggghhhhh!!! The demo is only on the USA iTune store….
Still great idea, now let see if they will also enable the public to access generic data to create/customized their own web site/app.
+2
Jan 6th, 2010 (11:25 am)That is a great idea. Most businesses have wifi and when you go to work you should be able to connect to the car if needed. Just build in a wireless card in to the car. Alas, GM will not do that because then people will opt out of Onstar.
Jan 6th, 2010 (11:32 am)The apps are great and cool. I like it.
The infrastructure dependency on “OnStar”, Crap piece of sh|t.
I’m with voltman, use WiFi.
Jan 6th, 2010 (11:47 am)2 totally different cars. The leaf will use all of the batt pack down to maybe 80%DOD (My SWAG) of the entire batt pack. The volt will only use half of it’s batt pack to the tune of 8KWh.
Jan 6th, 2010 (11:49 am)off topic a bit,
Battery stocks flying last couple days, also SQM (Lithium play) lots of relative strength last couple days. Perhaps smart money knows that the the production ramp up for EREV/BEVs is not that far off
Yet Blackberry maker Research in Motion is down, so I don’t thing todays article by Lyle will spur too many new Blackberry purchases.
-1
Jan 6th, 2010 (11:50 am)Phone Aps are cool and all, but useless if GM doesn’t make the car available to buyers. Come on, GM, announce distribution NOW!!
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (11:52 am)It should. I’m sure it could play the dance video too!!!!!
Jan 6th, 2010 (11:56 am)LOL, my car can text your car!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+3
Jan 6th, 2010 (11:56 am)On the 2010 Equinox, the remote start includes sensing the outside temperature and putting on the AC or the heat depending on what is needed to bring the car to the automatic climate control temperature that you left it at. No need to set temperature. Also, if it is very cold, the heated seats are turned on automatically even if you have them off. (of course there are settings to change this).
If the Equinox has this kind of brains, the Volt will be even better. No need to worry about the climate controls not being thought out by GM.
+2
Jan 6th, 2010 (12:03 pm)Onstar is 18.95 per month or $199 per year for the safe and sound plan that includes vehicle diagnostics.
+4
Jan 6th, 2010 (12:06 pm)Did someone say Buck Rodgers…….:)
Just a few short years ago we were starting to dream of what all the VOLT could do and mean to all that was interested in it. I for one feel we are just seeing the start of all the great things to come.
Goooooooooooooo VOLT !!!!
Gooooooooooooooo GM !!!!
Thanks Lyle for all you have done this last 3 years. What a great ride it has been.
Voltik
Jan 6th, 2010 (12:34 pm)Nahh…
Flash Gordon..
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (12:35 pm)Add me to your list (lol). I just heard about phones that don’t even have wires going into the wall. They must only work in prisons though, because I think they call them “cells”.
Seriously, as long as the phone features are truly *ancillary*, I LOVE the cool factor and especially the data gathering about miles driven without petrol!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 6th, 2010 (12:37 pm)Good point! *Wheels on the road first*, then the Droid (g). Got it.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 6th, 2010 (12:39 pm)Oil just hit $83 /barrel.
I hope I can wait till the Volts get to Ohio.
I am very impulsive, I might buy a Leaf just because it is available here first?
Jan 6th, 2010 (12:39 pm)That’s neat, and supporting more than just the iPhone is welcome. But, I’m a little disturbed about releasing so much information about my car’s location and performance.
I mean, my old gasoline-powered car’s computer only talks to you if you open a panel under the dashboard and plug in an OBD-II connector. It’s almost exactly like a serial port, except that it’s a different standard that’s incompatible with industry-standard serial ports so that automotive diagnostic equipment could be made more expensive.
Come on, when am I going to get to actually own my car and have full control over the systems in my own car?
KISS
-4
Jan 6th, 2010 (12:40 pm)I can see that app for the Jesus Phone and the Droid but Crackberry….umm…NO.
Nice integration with OnStar. OnStar needs to turn into the GM App Store and like ASAP.
Everybody should be subscribing to OnStar ! DO IT !!
It’s that good.
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (12:42 pm)#79
Well, judging by the enthusiastic response of about 95% of the bloggers here, it must be a brilliant marketing move by GM. If so, so much the better.
As my brother always says “I guess we’re just out of the demo.” Oh well.
Jan 6th, 2010 (1:00 pm)Amen to THAT! Great post.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 6th, 2010 (1:00 pm)DROID FTW !
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (1:11 pm)I’ll download it as soon as I get home since I have no reception at work. It looks great from what I can tell. Very convenient.
I wonder if they’ll use app downloads as a way to gauge demand…After all, if you’re going to download an app for a car that won’t be available for at least another year, you’re probably seriously interested in buying that car.
+2
Jan 6th, 2010 (1:12 pm)Not sure where you are getting your info; but I suggest checking some facts. The VOLT is not a hybrid. It is an EREV – something Toyota has never done. You are entitled to your opinion, but no major auto maker has built an EREV, thus there is no current benchmark. GM is now creating the EREV benchmark for others to look up to – and that is a very positive development in the quest to get off foriegn oil dependency. The Gen1 VOLT will use FAR LESS petroluem during an average annual driving than anything Toyota has built!
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (1:17 pm)OnStar is $199/year which is ~16 bucks a month. If this is ‘expensive’ then a Volt is also too expensive.
Allowing access through WiFi (open source) is a greater security risk than through their proprietary method. Since access to the onboard computer is through OnStar, GM can control the security better.
Jan 6th, 2010 (1:18 pm)From what I read on how the Volt will be tested by the EPA, it will be classified as a “PHEV”. It was in a previous post and if I recall a segment it went like this….”regardless of what GM says, it’s a PHEV”.
Obviously GM can have their own opinion as well but ultimately it will be classified as “Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle”.
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (1:18 pm)Sigh…
The app is not available on the Canadian itunes store.
+2
Jan 6th, 2010 (1:21 pm)I hope there won’t be an open source app. This is one case where I hope for security through obscurity. Now the thieves don’t need a key, they don’t need any specialized frequency generating hardware, they just need access to the internet and they can hack your onstar account and steal your car.
-2
Jan 6th, 2010 (1:22 pm)I doubt it. Some here say KISS and forget it and some say they aren’t inclined to the tech. I say screw it because it is dependent on Oncrap, so I won’t be using it.
+2
Jan 6th, 2010 (1:27 pm)You’re correct about what the article said. Seems to me that it’s a “rose, is a rose, is a rose” situation. When they test it for mpg’s they’ll provably call it a PHEV. I hope GM sticks to EREV though. It’s their main selling point. JMO
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (1:30 pm)We’ll mark you down as a “No” then (g).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 6th, 2010 (1:30 pm)Driving patterns are still a major factor. The Prius may be a better choice for folks without access to convenient charging, and doing a lot of driving.
The Volt will be awesome for folks that drive over 20,000 miles a year and can charge twice a day. I almost wish we could only allow the first volts to be sold to folks with this driving pattern (ME), but I know rich folks in California that will only drive it 1000 miles AER year will get one long before I can get one. As I said before I may go to the LEAF if it is available in Ohio first and get my 20,000+ mile AER and just deal with the inconvenience.
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (1:32 pm)So, how about an ap that turns on the popcorn popper?
This is cool stuff, but let’s not forget the most important thing — will there be enough Volts shipped so those of us that are willing to pop for $35K will actually see one in our driveway before too long (and how long is too long)?
+2
Jan 6th, 2010 (1:37 pm)You’re right about the Prius continuing to be a great option for a lot of folks. I think that there is plenty of room in the market for them to co-exist and flourish.
I also know what you mean about the “uneven” distribution of the initial Volts. Life’s not fair, but it’s better to see *some* Volts get their wheels on the road than waiting for a nationwide release of a few here, and a few there. I just wish the we were in the initial release area (I’m in neighboring PA).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 6th, 2010 (1:40 pm)Not necessarily “buy” a car, but definitely a way to judge interest. Wouldn’t be surprized to see it go viral. Might tell the whole world if the wow factor really is there or is it just in the imagination of this group.
Jan 6th, 2010 (1:46 pm)You mean that there is some question that we, as a group, have a tenuous grasp of reality? (lol) Naaaaw.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (1:47 pm)I like it!
This is the kind of innovation that once you’ve used it you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It may depart from the KISS principle but IMO this will not only help justify the Gen 1 price but will help set the vehicle apart as a futuristic high-tech vehicle, which goes hand-in-hand with the new EV advantages. It may also widen the appeal to a bigger audience.
Jan 6th, 2010 (2:07 pm)GM is just spinning it so that it is a different animal. (Thus, no competition.) imho, since it has two fuel sources (three if you count E85 vs E10), it is definitely a hybrid.
+2
Jan 6th, 2010 (2:12 pm)That’s nice. But I really want the API, not the app.
A generic web interface would have been more useful for everybody since then you could use it from your computer at work or any smartphone and even a few not-so-smartphones, and it would work as an adequate API as well.
I’m not sure about the app usefulness because I’m not sure there’s anything that I’d really want to MANUALLY program into the car when the car itself is unavailable. Otherwise, I could just walk over to the car and program it. What I’d want to do would be to program the car to behave automatically, correctly, and then let it do its thing. I don’t want to manually fiddle with it.
(I mean, I can manually adjust just about anything in my house remotely, now, and about the only thing I ever use is to turn the heat back on a bit before I expect to arrive back from vacation if my schedule is not fixed (like I drove somewhere for a weekend “or so”). If I’m flying, I know exactly when I get back and program everything beforehand. That’s the thing… most things you can program beforehand, you don’t frequently need to change your mind about your program while you’re away. I guess once or twice I’ve programmed the media server to record a TV show while I’m away. Surprisingly infrequently, though because with 3TB of video storage I just have it programmed to automatically record most anything I’m interested in anyway
)
That being said, I see a lot of home automation integration things I could program with the API.
First thing I would do would be to code the automation server to shut down the Volt’s charging if the power at the house went out, since I wouldn’t want the volt charging it’s batteries off my house’s batteries. Unless it were noon and the power went out, then I might as well use the power from the solar panels for something since otherwise it’s just dumped when the house batteries are full.
P.S. Disclaimer: I too have a PocketPC (Windows Mobile) smartphone so perhaps I am somewhat disinterested biased on the fact that there was no version provided that I can use
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (2:15 pm)Not to mention it has very limited range.
Jan 6th, 2010 (2:16 pm)I wonder if they are spinning it that way for smog reasons. If they can claim the genset is only a generator, then they will only have to comply to smog regulations for “Generators”.
Just a crazy azzed guess.
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (2:16 pm)Hey, you must work where I work.
I can’t get reception with Verizon. Everything else works fine.
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (2:18 pm)I too have a Windows Mobile sort of smart phone.
+2
Jan 6th, 2010 (2:19 pm)Please get a WebOS version of this app for those of us not willing to settle for an iPhone!
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (2:26 pm)My sentiments exactly! +1 to you.
Jan 6th, 2010 (2:27 pm)It’s not for everyone. Not everyone who wants the car will download the app.
But if you download the app, you’re probably interested in buying the car. So if a lot of people download the app, that means there are a lot of people who already want to buy the car.
So, if 50,000 people download the app, that means GM can count on at least 70,000 being interested before it’s even available in the showroom.
-3
Jan 6th, 2010 (2:40 pm)[...] } GM veröffentlicht eine iPhone App für den Chevy Volt im US iTunes [...]
+2
Jan 6th, 2010 (2:43 pm)Tom, I completely agree. I am another in the ‘will charge twice a day’ camp. This is CLEARLY the best use of the Volt. Seems to me, it should be about displacing gasoline. You and I will displace ~160 miles a day in gas useage. Even if the kW are more expensive during the day, doesn’t matter. Thats a big impact for two Volts. It was great to hear the batteries are testing past 200000 miles.
If you drive 10 miles a day, you may want a Volt (nothing wrong with that at all) but you won’t be using it or the battery resource to its full advantage. Thats OK too, but it will be a shame that with the limited supply of Volts and batteries we will have to deal with for a while, that so many of them will be sitting unused by the 10 miles a day folks just so they can tell their friends they never use gas.
-1
Jan 6th, 2010 (2:43 pm)if the app doesn’t get very many downloads, I don’t think it means anything. A lot of people aren’t interested in having an app on their phone for a car that isn’t even available yet.
But if does go viral, that should erase any doubts GM or anyone else might have about the Volt being a hit.
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (2:51 pm)I can’t get reception with Verizon either. And I recently found out that AT&T works fine in my office. And to think I bought a Droid instead of an iphone because Verizon is supposed to have better service…
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (2:53 pm)OnCrap will come free for the first year. Once someone is using it, I doubt they will cancel. It will be very useful.
Jan 6th, 2010 (2:58 pm)And, until the time your Volt comes to a nearby dealer, the app will include a simulated Volt that you learn to control and drive around (smile)
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (3:04 pm)Tried to download on my T-Mobile G-1 Android phone but couldn’t. Only will allow on the Motorola phone for now…… “Your phone is currently using Android Software version 1.6 Sorry, but the OnStar Mobile Experience App is currently supported on the Droid by Motorola at this time.”
Jan 6th, 2010 (3:17 pm)Well done GM/onstar, well done. As tool to use with the Volt, it sounds GREAT.
But even better . . . as a viral marketing tool? Pure genius. All the gadget lovers with iPhones will be curious and download the app to check it out and thus learn more about the Volt. I can’t believe GM did something this smart.
Jan 6th, 2010 (3:20 pm)Useful and cool apps but 2 problems for me personally:
1. no OnStar here in Europe (I am from Italy)
2. no Windows Mobile app (I use WinMo terminals and at the moment would consider nothing else)
No. 2 could be solved very easily and will most probably be (in fact, given how easy that would be, it’s very odd to apparently leave Windows Mobile users out), no. 1 a bit more tricky but still solveable.
All in all I am pleased to see how they are developing the Volt concept…
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (3:21 pm)OK, can someone figure out how to get the app and have it run on this open source iPhone emulator:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/iphonesimulator/
GM should release a PC version so us non iPhone owners can give it a spin.
Jan 6th, 2010 (3:34 pm)My mobile contract will be ending in May.
I was thinking of getting an iPhone for a Blackberry.
I currently have a Nokia cheapo phone.
With Blackberry owning 40% of the mobile market, I think I will go with that. Especially since I recently heard that the iPhone needs to be charged every single day.
Does anyone know if that is true? I only charge my phone once a week.
-2
Jan 6th, 2010 (3:35 pm)Cap’n Jack,
I am the resident consipiracy theorist that believes that the Volt’s ICE will at times drive the wheels (like an assist mode). Part of the reason for this is as you mention, Douba in his paper states that E-REV is a PHEV, despite what GM says (see slide 8 of following link).
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/pdfs/merit_review_2009/vehicles_and_systems_simulation/vss_05_duoba.pdf
A hybrid, by SAE definition, is “A vehicle with two or more energy storage systems both of which must provide propulsion power – either together or independently.”
I find this a questionable definition if the Volt actually only has an onboard generator.
A PHEV, by SAE definition, is “A hybrid vehicle with the ability to store and use off-board electrical energy in the RESS
(rechargeable energy storage system).”
This does apply to the Volt, the question thus becomes one of propulsion.
GM has suggested the following definition for E-REV – “A vehicle that functions as a full-performance battery electric vehicle when energy is available from an onboard RESS and having an auxiliary energy supply that is only engaged when the RESS energy is not available.”
Note that the above definition does not include any discussion of remaining a “full performance BEV” when RESS energy is not available.
Anyway, this is off-topic, and I will have more to add when the topic arises at a later date.
-1
Jan 6th, 2010 (3:49 pm)I’d love a PC version, and if it’s hoped to go viral, that would sure help the cause.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 6th, 2010 (4:09 pm)Could be a tool for that…. however it is a free download.
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (4:13 pm)Hasn’t this been covered? I dont think theres any mechanical link, but why don’t we just ask Alex Catellan again? I’ll try to ask someone face to face at the Detroit Auto show… see what they say.
Jan 6th, 2010 (4:16 pm)OnStar is only 35cents/day after the free period. That’s not that bad (ofcourse IMO)
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (4:19 pm)lol…..
we’re such a bunch of geeks…..
Jan 6th, 2010 (4:19 pm)That’s what we ended up doing on my wifes HHR. We were going to drop it then found out during Hurricane IKE it worked better than our other cell phones. It’s also kind of nice getting monthly emails “from her car” reminding us about approaching maintenance and being able to go on line to look up the miles she drives.
Jan 6th, 2010 (4:30 pm)This is probably the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.
+4
Jan 6th, 2010 (4:34 pm)Not to be too niggling and situation-specific, because everybody’s situation varies, but I wanna chime in that even “cheap” can be a waste if you’re not using it, or don’t want it.
And, those 35c items add up! Shucks, in the past six weeks, I dumped my telephone landline in favor of an ooma box (about $1.50 a day savings, post break-even in 4 months – after paying to port over my phone number), and I am planning to dump my XM Radio service, since I rarely use it (about 33c/day). After all our trial periods ended, my GF and I have never renewed OnStar because we feel we don’t use enough of its features (another 50c/day saved per account). On a whim, I also called and easily renegotiated my cable internet service (YMMV), which saves merely 30c/day, but heck, thirty cents is thirty cents!
While this all sounds like pocket change, do the math and you find these items add up to roughly $1,140 a year. That’s nontrivial dough nowadays. And I miss NONE of what I’ve given up, it’s just things we were in the habit of buying. Habits, in this case, are BAD.
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (4:38 pm)It sounds right to me. It has two energy storage (Batt pack & OPEC juice) and they provide propulsion first as a BEV only then Genset mixed with the occasional dip into the batt pack.
Jan 6th, 2010 (4:47 pm)At .35c/day it adds to 30*.35 = $10.50
That’s $$$ I would rather donate to my son’s school for supplies.
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (4:53 pm)“Better” sounds to me like your handheld phone still worked but reception may have sucked. The cell in your car was better because the power output is 3 watts and your handheld is limited to .6 watts.
I still would rather NOT pay to have 2 phone lines, one handheld and one permanently mounted in the car. My cell also has GPS too, so if it were in the car too, i’m paying for 2 GPS? No thanks.
Jan 6th, 2010 (4:53 pm)Apps would be cool, but, there is as yet no car being sold. Seems really premature.
-3
Jan 6th, 2010 (4:56 pm)GM!
I like what you are doing here, but aren’t you forgetting something?
Maybe…all the Windows Mobile users like me?
If you just look at the comments above, quite a bunch of people use Windows Mobile. Please push a Windows Mobile app out ASAP! I really want to test the app out but I can’t. I don’t own a Storm, Droid, or iPhone. Nor will I ever. I swear by Windows Mobile. It’s the most versatile and customizable mobile OS out there.
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (4:58 pm)#131 Mike-o-Matic
((Remember the days when phone companies actually competed for your business?? What happened?? 
)
#108 CaptJackSparrow (I love that “sort-of-smart” phone, that’s how I feel about it but I’m getting unlimited data tethering and two phones for $60/mo on my 10 year old Sprint plan so can’t change the phone anymore without losing the plan
…and other API wanting, non-app supported phone folks…
Hey, maybe we’re not totally out of luck. I missed this part of the paragraph in the original GM release ( http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Jan/0105_GM_onstar ) :
“Volt’s OnStar mobile application will also be available on a mobile browser for other internet-capable phones. 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.”
Ooops, I missed it in Lyle’s summary above, too.
See, after returning from 2 weeks of drinking eggnog and eating ham and Panettone (not necessarily together) you’d think I’d be much more relaxed and alert now but in reality all I can think about is how much I’d really like more eggnog.
Jan 6th, 2010 (4:59 pm)Amul, if you even use a smartphone intensively like most smartphone users, good luck getting the phone to last more than a day or two. Smartphones suck up battery MUCH faster than basic phones. But it is true, iPhones and most Android phones do not last long per charge. Your best bet is to find a Blackberry or Windows Mobile phone with a 1200 MaH battery or higher.
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (5:02 pm)And the electric range is a near perfect 40 miles, and the total fuel economy is slightly greater than the 230MPG.
Too perfect. They seem canned to me.
Jan 6th, 2010 (5:15 pm)Look at it as foreplay (g).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 6th, 2010 (5:16 pm)Onstar “cell phone” uses a higher MHz range than standard cell phones or 3g b/c it uses sat link in place of cell towers. Which is also y It is so much secure and reliable then wi-fi or cell phones
Jan 6th, 2010 (5:20 pm)Tag,
I agree with you that GM uses EREV as a marketing ploy! And for good reason: PHEV does not differentiate the difference between serial and parallel hyrid electric vehicles.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_electric_vehicle#Types.2FArchitectures
Interestingly, the words are listed according to the order of the alphabet but also in this case historically. The term PHEV leaves the reader thinking that the two types fit within one category whereas they use two distinctly different power trains; in parallel, a gasoline engine and an electric motor can both drive the wheels (both mechanical and electric power are combined to drive the wheels); in serial, only electric power drives the wheels. To me, the way GM has defined the car, i.e. – EREV, is more accurate. I know others will disagree but just thought I’d add this comment.
To me the way EPA tries to combine ICE traction with electric traction is just plain idiotic, as many have pointed out. EPA by law must certify the sticker required by law which states MPG; the law should be changed to require two ratings as so often proposed on this blog. Which bring me to this question (I would check the wording of the law but that takes a lot of time), Can GM also include on the certification sticker additional language such as
AER – 40 miles
CS – 50 mpg
Such wording in addition to what EPA says must be show on the certification would give the consumer what could be easily understood. I think that Congress should change the law to allow this wording.
Happy trails to yo ’til we meet again.
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (5:22 pm)It is true IF you do the following everyday…..
You use it for calls very very often.
You keep your bluetooth connected or use it every time you make/recieve calls.
You keep the WiFi feature on.
You use it to browse the internet on.
You get tons of SMS text messages.
On my Windows Mobile thingy, I keep the bluetooth off till I know I am going to drive. I keep WiFi off till I really need to connect. I stay off the internet….well…. because a small ass screen sucks for browsing.
Basically anything that entails the “RF” portion of the phone will drain your battery. Some games drain also depending on the game.
Sucks but not even Lithium Ion can help them right now.
Jan 6th, 2010 (5:22 pm)I agree. Too perfect. They’ll both probably be better than these canned answers.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 6th, 2010 (5:35 pm)I dunno man. Throwing more acronyms to consumers is gonna confuse them even more. How bout this…..
EV = 40 Miles
Hybrid = 45 mpg
Although “Charge Sustaining” is known by many of us, Pat Q. Public will just get confused. It also applies to the Prius because the engine IS what charges and sustains the SOC of the batt pack. But Pat Q. Public doesn’t know that.
Jan 6th, 2010 (5:44 pm)You could be right but for one factor: maintenance! The maintenance on the Volt will be far less than that on the Prius.
Additionally, and apparently, you think that the Prius will give superior mpg over long distances because Volt owners won’t be able to charge up very often. I am confident that sufficient locations will available for Volt owners to charge their battery pack. In addition, IMHO, I believe that when the final mpg rating is reveled for CS mode of the Volt that the rating will be equal or greater than what Prius owners are actually experiencing.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again
Jan 6th, 2010 (5:49 pm)Just curious, why do they need to differentiate? Does an EV need to differentiate if it uses Li or NiMh if they both get the same range or cost? EV-L or EV-N?
Jan 6th, 2010 (5:54 pm)What’s not NEW about the Volt! The manual will have an explanation of abbreviations used and adequately explain what AER and CS mean. If someone can’t understand the difference they should go back to school just to read the manual for an EV. Besides the proposed EPA rating is far more difficult to understand’
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Jan 6th, 2010 (5:57 pm)To me, the work “ploy” implies something dishonest, but that’s probably just me.
Re the EPA sticker, I (also) don’t know for sure, but I doubt that MFG’s are allowed to list any stats that the EPA hasn’t documented/tested. I agree that the law hasn’t kept pace with the technology and needs to be adjusted to reflect the actual experience the buyer can *hope* to achieve.
Maybe GM (or other mfg’s) can submit a narrative that they would approve. I guess we’ll know come this spring.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 6th, 2010 (6:02 pm)How about a delux key fob option that isn’t an Ipod, Droid, etc, nor a cell phone. This would be half the size of a cell phone, yet get all the data sent to it (and send commands back as well) as a separate receiver/transmitter if you didn’t want a new phone.
It could open up like a small stop watch, and just recieve info directly from the Volt without all the wireless charges that would be extra for apps connect time, etc. (I thought about an Ipod, but I don’t want all that stuff on a cellphone. But I would pay extra for a small receiver/transmitter type dedicated key fob that would do all the same stuff with something like a half or a mile range. Just an idea to relay to GM.
Jan 6th, 2010 (6:06 pm)Well Captain,
I think GM needs to single out the Volt from other Plug-in Hybrids; all the P does in PHEV is indicate Plug. You argued in the earlier comment that more acronyms will only confuse consumers. I guess to answer your question about EV-L or EV-N, the use of them will be determined by the manufacturer.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+2
Jan 6th, 2010 (6:07 pm)At least they are not calling it the “Customer Depletion Point” anymore. I hated that one. It sounded like I had run out of customers. Then I’d have to find a job at Cadillac.
Jan 6th, 2010 (6:08 pm)#141 – Crookidea – No, Onstar is not some “special frequency”/”higher MHz” system – its basically a “normal” CDMA digitial cellphone, typically working off Verizon towers – See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onstar – No Sats involved (other than GPS). Only reason you may get better voice service, is if you have AT&T, your Onstar “hands free phone” is based on a different network, Verizon (which as we all know from the “red” map, has 5x more coverage than the “blue” map…)
As for the API – I totally agree, give me the API, and not the app, but if it’s browser based, it’s not going to take long to “sniff” the traffic and reverse engineer the “public internet” side of things – Im sure all the traffic is SSL encrpyted, but if your doing this from your PC, and you can setup your own HTTP/SSL proxy, there are known TLS MiM attacks that allow you to get to the cleartext – See http://extendedsubset.com/?p=8
So, while the Volt end, will be locked down on the “private” Onstar/Verizon network, it will NOT take all the long to decode the packets on the “public” browser end – Of course they could get fancy and add application layer encryption, within the TLS stream, but I’m not really sure why they would care to “hide” a fairly simple set of HTTP get/puts..
So your likely to NOT get the VOLT to Onstar end of the traffic/API, but if your willing to go thru their Onstar websever, building a public API for the HTTP(s) end of things definitely seems doable.. Close enough of an API, that building your own apps should be doable (Granted, it would be nice if they just published and HTTP GET/PUT, or the underlying SOAP or XML traffic – I just doubt they will bother to make that public)..
Just my educated guesses…
+2
Jan 6th, 2010 (6:17 pm)Saw this on the latest CNN challenge:
That’s an average of 33 miles per day. The Volt just keeps looking better!
Jan 6th, 2010 (6:18 pm)Toyota tested Li cells in the Prius and never disclosed this to any of the buyers. None of the owners knew what cells were in there.
http://priuschat.com/news/toyota-ends-secret-3-year-lithium-ion-test-decides-against-using-them-prius
Jan 6th, 2010 (6:19 pm)Nice apps for gen one Volt. Maybe I will get to see a gen1 in a syfi movie or a car show. For me its simply a car too far because of the limited availability. And I am in the 4000s on the want list.
I sure would like to hear more about gen2 since this will be a much more exciting vehicle in that I may be able to touch,drive and buy one.
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (6:21 pm)OK, I probably should have used a word like strategy; not stratagem, a synonym of ploy, as you are right about it meaning something dishonest.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (6:26 pm)Bummer – I guess my HTC Touch w/ Windows Mobile 6.1 is now obsolete, so I don’t get to play with the rest of the kids……
A droid based phone will be next, but I will probably wait a while while the droid system shakes out a bit, version wise.
But from what I have seen from the demo above, I have to agree with Lyle – “freakin’ awesome!”
Jan 6th, 2010 (6:33 pm)There are lots of other things most owners don’t know that’s in thier vehicles. (Most techs don’t know either, things like this are designed often far better than the standard stock). Even if techs did find out, they would likely generalize that all the other models have the same thing, and, never mention anything to the custmer.
I find things like this frequently, (but usually only in software changes) and it’s a good source of amusement. Some of these processes I’ve already mentioned to GM via this site.
Jan 6th, 2010 (6:42 pm)Cool idea! It could be a throwback to the days of pocket watches. Vest pockets would come back in style (I still have some-lol). And the outside could have that electronic car finder pointer that I posted about.
The emphasis needs to be on *option* though. No need to hold up the release date for getting those wheels on the road!
I hope I live long enough to see the day when there are group meetings held weekly modeled after AA:
Member: Hello, my name is Tagamet
Group: Hello, Tagamet!
Member: This week I used over a gallon of gasoline (sigh),
Group: (stifles gasp) It’s ok, Tagamet, why didn’t you call your *Sponsor*?!?…
/hey, a guy can dream…
-1
Jan 6th, 2010 (6:44 pm)This is much more than I expected, and is successful marketing if nothing else. I believe that other phone types will be included in the implementation, eventually (remember, by the time most people will have Volts available to buy, there could be who-knows-what kind of phone on the market); the recently announced formats are simply the penetration leaders at this moment.
I do wish that GM could find a way to avoid using OnStar (such as WiFi), but fully understand why they are not likely going to. What if GM found a way to lower the cost for OnStar? Sounds like a better move, particularly if connectivity turns out to be “required” for Volt ownership.
The term PHEV is a very new one, and it’s far too soon to carve it’s meaning in stone. If the Volt technically falls under the designation regardless of drivetrain, I submit that the current definition is inadequate to describe what’s coming soon. An HEV uses the engine and the electric drive simultaneously to move the vehicle, a PHEV can be plugged in to augment the electric portion, but engine use cannot be eliminated. The Volt is moved solely by electricity, which is supplied by a generator only when there is no stored energy available. GM is wise to promote EREV, it is distinctively different from PHEV proposals from other manufacturers.
Prediction: Early BEV offerings will run into problems that can only be solved by having a gas generator onboard (not just range, but coping with lower temperatures). Eventually, the EV driver will only consider a car that has a generator, no matter how small; unless they live in the most moderate of climates.
+4
Jan 6th, 2010 (6:46 pm)Hey, I just thought of something! If they can get the Volt classified as an electrical appliance, then the FTC would be required by law to have a yellow tag, like this:
The point is that would force them into a model of average yearly costs, which is where EREVs shine…
Jan 6th, 2010 (6:52 pm)Thanks. Given my profession, words are kinda special. It’s the old “There’s no right or wrong answers, but everything you say “counts” thing.
I DO hope that GM gets to make some sort of distinction between parallel vs series hybrids though.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 6th, 2010 (6:55 pm)Off Topic
Wikipedia on its “hybrid electric vehicle” page,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_electric_vehicle
does not mention the range extending feature of the series hybrid which GM features as a major advantage of its Voltec technology.
These pages by Wikipedia need to be updated to reflect the current state of EV technology.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (6:57 pm)Go for it! You have the power to update these Wikipedia pages.
+3
Jan 6th, 2010 (6:59 pm)NICE GRAPHIC. We discussed the use of EnergyStar ratings during the first go-round discussion of alternatives to the usual mpg ratings. And yes, I still think that it’s a great idea.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (7:03 pm)They are the same thing. YOU only call it something else. Either way, Gas is used in the propulsion and Electricity is used also with a blended capability when needed. It’s a Series hybrid by design and definition.
Jan 6th, 2010 (7:03 pm)Now wouldn’t THAT put GM tech in the lead!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 6th, 2010 (7:07 pm)By that definition then the Prius is not an HEV because it DOES have the ability to drive completely on electricity therefore the engine use IS eliminated.
Jan 6th, 2010 (7:08 pm)Cheapest unlimited phone/data plan on Verizion Wireless in my area is $70/month. And yes…I know that includes phone service, but the phone/data are bundled together. And I would guess that less expensive data plan is out there. But…
Why not just include a wireless ethernet connection to the Volt and other wireless ethernet mobile devices could connect without Onstar or a mobile data plan?
Jan 6th, 2010 (7:08 pm)Huh? Those acronyms have been around for a while. Most everyone knows what it is, most everyone will not know what EREV is.
Jan 6th, 2010 (7:11 pm)We do?
Gimme the password……hehe…..
Jan 6th, 2010 (7:12 pm)In the intermediate term, it certainly will put Voltec in the lead; whether it continues to do so indefinitely will depend on GM’s flexibility.
I fully agree and understand why a car like the Volt must come first, but eventually I believe it will describe the high end of an EREV continuum: the engine can supply power for every driving demand, as long as there is fuel. I don’t think the current marketplace will accept anything less.
As battery technology improves, and the driving public gets more familiar with the different styles and types of EV drivetrains, I think a market will develop for cars which are midway between the Volt and the Leaf; cars which are essentially electrics, but carry a generator to augment rather than replace battery-stored energy.
Such a car would require more attention to it’s inherent limitations (though not as much as a BEV). The engine would only be capable of providing power for most driving demands (though not the most strenuous). In a worst case scenario, such a car might have to stop on the way up Pike’s Peak to ‘catch it’s breath.’ The upside would be lower cost and fuel use.
I’d like to think that GM would be the one to widen the EREV marketplace, but it seems liklier to me that an early BEV maker will try to re-enter the market (early BEVs will be a spectacular failure, in my apparently not-so-humble opinion), with versions which include small 2-cylinder or wankel engines.
It’ll be at least a decade before any of this becomes evident, if it is going to.
-1
Jan 6th, 2010 (7:16 pm)I think that the vast majority of the “green folks” would know PHEV, but I’m not so sure about Joe Sixpack. I agree with you that we’re all swamped by acronyms, and a lot of education will need to be invested by the mfgs to clarify things. Heck, even the sales people will need a lot of schoolin in order to even give the appearance of being knowledgeable. I know that those in these parts sure need help.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 6th, 2010 (7:17 pm)lol….
OK, I have a dumb question…..lol
If there is no battery in the EREV thingy what is it called if it’s using gas?
Jan 6th, 2010 (7:21 pm)Tag,
That’s so funny it’s a ****SCREAM**** (right side hurts from laughing).
Definitely GM ought to have you in a test Volt for your “pointer” idea. That’s really a cute one that I like a lot.
I’m going to have to really scramble all year to be able to get one though. Even though things are really shaping up to be the very best year ever. (I still have to remain price competitive). But ten more months to work really hard, (and, I’m thankful that nearly the entire year is already booked as I’m adding in vehicle inspection machines to my offerings to sell to my existing 163 shops.)
Yes, any option that is not connected into the car is available as extra that no-one else need buy.
As a matter of fact, when you think about it, GM (because of the great power density), can have all sorts of optional things to make ***LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS*** more money on for the Chevy Store to be happy about too. All without affecting anyone elses deal. This is what will make all Volts at least break even. The problem is that there are not enough people suggesting all these ideas. I can think of at least 150 ideas, but no phone call yet. (No microwave ovens. lol).
Jan 6th, 2010 (7:24 pm)I agree with pretty much every word of your post. I especially hope that GM builds on the momentum that the Volt can provide. If they don’t, even I wouldn’t be optimistic about their future. They have one last good hand to play…..
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 6th, 2010 (7:30 pm)a car.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 6th, 2010 (7:37 pm)Congrats on the business success, but be careful about the 10 month savings window – Independence Day is sneaking us on us (lol).
No call from GM yet? I’m stunned. I’ll bet that they’ve been trying to reach you by email. That’s how they send me all of my “predictions” (NOT)(g).
Be well friend,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (7:47 pm)Your response reminds me of something Mark Twain once said: “It’s easy to quit smoking, I’ve done it myself many times.”
If you want to hang on semantics, go ahead; but understand that you’re not actually contributing anything. Or do you think that when a Prius cuts the engine in every time it exceeds 50 mph (or whatever lower speed depending on model year) it’s the equivalent of driving 40 miles of starts and stops without needing the engine?
The Prius engine must deliver it’s power mechanically to the wheels because the electric drive isn’t powerful enough to provide 100% of the driving demand. This requires a complex mechanical power-split device.
To be fair, my understanding is that the plug-in Prius is supposed to go 12 miles on electricity alone, but it must restrict itself to relatively low speeds and accelaration to do so. Is this identical with a car which travels at all speeds, under all conditions under electricity alone? The only means of getting power from the Volt engine to the wheels is through electricity.
This is not to put the Prius down at all, just to point out that it is not really equivalent to a serial-hybrid approach, or to the Volt’s application of that specifically.
Jan 6th, 2010 (7:53 pm)“a while” < ten years.
Jan 6th, 2010 (7:56 pm)Uh Oh…
I just made a mess on the carpet!
Jan 6th, 2010 (7:57 pm)I guess you would call it GEN-E. The Gene car?
400HP AWD electric with Vortec 2.9L generator is “One mean Gene”.
=D~
-1
Jan 6th, 2010 (8:04 pm)I don’t believe speed was a criteria for the classification of a Series or Parallel Hybrid.
Correct. As many have all summarized, series gets far less efficiency as seen from low mpg and parallel are getting over 50mpg. So yes, they really do not compare.
Jan 6th, 2010 (8:15 pm)Yes, I agree.
Pure BEVs will be niche cars for brave souls, but EREVs have a really good shot going mainstream.
And as people get more comfortable with the all-electric range of an EREV, they won’t be as concerned about a less powerful gas engine generator.
Bottom line: The gas engine will be seen increasingly as an insurance policy. Some people will go with a higher deductible, but most people will want some type of insurance…
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (8:17 pm)I think Microsoft needs to get WM 7 released (and it must be spectacular) before developers will be willing to invest much more time in the platform.
Jan 6th, 2010 (8:20 pm)Wow, my first post in a while…
I love this, especially that they’ll have temperature conditioning options. I want to be able to tell my Volt, “Hey, start heating my car at 7:00am to 70F while you’re plugged in, it’s freezing out.”
It’d be nice if they had this functionality remotely too, so your car could be heated or cooled ahead of time when you’re away from home. I know that it’s less ideal when not plugged into the grid, but still convenient!
Jan 6th, 2010 (8:30 pm)230 MPG EPA is not what I would call low.
But again, talking about efficiency really misses the point. The Volt uses a different fuel source, and doesn’t require any gasoline for average daily driving. That’s why the EPA is giving these high numbers. When you only have to go to the gas station every 3 months, it gets pretty obvious.
Also, comparing series vs. parallel designs is meaningless. If the Prius had a 16kWh battery and a 140 hp electric motor, then it could also get 230 MPG, probably more. I really wish Toyota made a car like that. The Volt needs some competition.
-2
Jan 6th, 2010 (8:37 pm)Found this in a press release from aug 2009. Sound familiar?
The dash-mounted monitor displays Nissan LEAF’s remaining power – or “reachable area” – in addition to showing a selection of nearby charging stations.
Another state-of-the-art feature is the ability to use mobile phones to turn on air-conditioning and set charging functions – even when Nissan LEAF is powered down. An on-board remote-controlled timer can also be pre-programmed to recharge batteries.
-1
Jan 6th, 2010 (8:42 pm)Good catch Dave!
I doubt know why I didn’t think of this label.
I have copy of The American College Dictionary from my college days that is still in its binding (
) after extensive use. It defines appliance as :
“an instrument, apparatus, or device for a particular use.”
Apparatus is defined as:
“an assemblage of instruments, machinery, appliances, materials, etc., for a particular use.”
From these definitions, it seems as this label could, under this law, also be applicable. Initially, the way the law was written there were five electrical appliances listed. In January 2009, ceiling fans were added. Appliance Labeling Rule (16 CFR Part 305) Paragraph 305.3 currently does not describe an EV. The FTC would need to be publish a new act by Congress which would define an EV as an electrical appliance under 16 CFR Part 305. Comments by the public would then be assembled and given due consideration with regard to labeling and testing done by DOE to give the estimated annual operating cost of such product. It may be that this will not be done and let EPA continue its process of determining proper labeling. There are therefore several means of handling this issue.
Happy trails to yo ’til we meet again.
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (8:45 pm)The fanatics may disagree, but I believe that there is no such thing as the perfect smartphone; rather there is only the best smartphone for each individual. It all depends on what you expect from it.
I have a BlackBerry (Bold 9700) and my wife has an iPhone (3GS). We are both very happy with our choices. The iPhone excels at simplicity and entertainment. BlackBerry excels at productivity and messaging. They are both stable and reliable platforms (more so than Windows Mobile or Google/Android).
Because of the data, GPS, apps, big screens, etc., battery life is generally not as good with smartphones as it is with feature phones, so you’ll probably need to charge more than once a week.
My wife charges her iPhone every night, but I think you could go longer if you were a light user. I get a few days from the BlackBerry and I can also swap in a spare battery if necessary.
YMMV.
Jan 6th, 2010 (8:53 pm)I would if I had the time to do it. How about you?
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Jan 6th, 2010 (9:22 pm)If the Volt was classified as an appliance, I wonder who would regulate *emissions*, if anyone. I’d love to see the “yearly cost of operation” used, but I think that the states (read Calif) would insist that emissions are monitored/controlled. Maybe both methods/agency could have their own sticker? I’m getting confused just trying to conceptualize it, so it might just end up adding to the public’s confusion.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+1
Jan 6th, 2010 (9:26 pm)WOW! You mean Nissan STOLE GM’s ideas? That’s horrible!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
-5
Jan 6th, 2010 (9:32 pm)And what if the yearly cost of Onstar service and the data plan for a smart phone cost more than all the gas I would burn per year in a Prius?**
then what?…..
** Onstar: $28.95/mo + tax
Data plan: typically $15/mo + tax
So about $48/mo
gas currently 2.45/g, $48/2.45 = 19.6g, 19.6g x 50 mi/g x 12 mos = 11,760 miles/ year.
/ the app looks fine, it should be wifi, NOT Onstar.
// the average Pat Q. does NOT use onstar, just another example that GM is not working on a real solution
http://www.onstar.com/us_english/jsp/plans/index.jsp
Jan 6th, 2010 (9:36 pm)Just got back to find numerous comment along the same line.
They aren’t the same thing! It’s not what I’m calling it; it’s what GM calls it. They have a valid point: almost everyone else is looking at series from the view point of it being a modified ICE where in fact its an electric vehicle with an gas burning internal combustion engine. The parallel hybrid is primarily a mechanical drive vehicle with electrical assist. That’s why GM is saying that EREV is not PHEV. All of the time, the Volt will be electricity to provide traction. When the SOC of the battery pack gets down to its cut off point, the ICE kicks in to drive a motor/generator. In the Prius, a parallel hybrid, there is always mechanical propulsion. The new plug-in Prius will have an all electric mode for about 12 miles: the Prius ICE will still be engaged through the HSD but not running.When there isn’t sufficient power in the battery, The PHEV Prius will use the ICE to provide power with the power regained through regen and at other times when its motor/generator is providing power that is not needed for traction.
The fact still remains that, IMHO, this is correct way to recognize the difference between series and parallel hybrid vehicles.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again..
Jan 6th, 2010 (9:39 pm)Well, I now have the iPhone app installed and running……….so when can I get my VOLT in Houston to go with it?
Jan 6th, 2010 (9:42 pm)Well Doof doesn’t understand what PHEV or hybrid means. I’d disagree with you on “most everyone will not know what EREV is.”
The term EREV ha been around long enough.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Jan 6th, 2010 (9:53 pm)Hey, Jackson, I don’t think Doof is all there or mayby its all to far over his head to understand. He also doesn’t understand why electric propulsion to far more efficient than the ICE or parallel hybrid even with a plug will ever be.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+2
Jan 6th, 2010 (9:54 pm)Then you should stick with your Prius. As I’ve said (over and over) the Prius is a fine vehicle and there’s plenty of room for more than one solution.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 6th, 2010 (10:02 pm)It appears that it will EPA that determines how the label will look and what it will say. And once again, you are most likely right about it becoming to difficult to handle if two agencies are involved.But now we have some idiotic formula to contend with.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Jan 6th, 2010 (10:14 pm)He is better known to us under a different name, I suspect.
Try this on, doof;
Two forms of energy, and each has a direct path all the way to the wheels, vs
Two forms of energy, but there is only one path all the way to the wheels.
If you have a mechanical pathway for energy from the gasoline engine to get to the wheels, and an electrical pathway for the battery energy to get through the wheels, then the engineering prerogative is to use both together for maximum power. For a complete range of speeds you must use both the engine and the battery as you drive, regardless of how much battery power you have.
If you have an electrical pathway for energy to reach the wheels from the battery, and an electrical pathway for energy from the gasoline engine to reach both the wheels and the battery, you are only talking about electric propulsion. You are not carrying a complete transmission around which is only used 25 – 40% of the time. You are not constantly trying to blend two completely different kinds of power. If you have enough battery power, there’s no need to start the engine until that power is exhausted.
Guess which is which (or are they both the same)?
-3
Jan 6th, 2010 (10:17 pm)I agree with # 1…”why no windows mobile app? i have a windows mobile smartphone and so do alot of other people.” And I just got a new Windows phone after I couldn’t stand anymore that Droid phone and I love my new windows phone….WHY WHY WHY NO WINDOWS APPS..COME ON…
Jan 6th, 2010 (10:19 pm)(italics mine)
Why is it that the only people unwilling to accept this are the Prius fanbois?
Jan 6th, 2010 (10:33 pm)I thought so too. Must be a low-budget disguise.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 6th, 2010 (10:45 pm)This app looks pretty cool. Hmm…I think that getting a Chevy Volt will encourage me to upgrade my cell phone!
+2
Jan 6th, 2010 (10:57 pm)It could be several things. They have been “on top” (shrink pun) for so long that they feel that anything said that supports anything else is an attack (an effort to put them “on the bottom”). Maybe they feel like they need to stand on a pile of foes in order for them to feel tall. Or maybe they were just toilet trained too early. SHRUG. I don’t honestly know why they feel so angry, but I’m 100% sure that they do! (at least the majority of them represented here).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 6th, 2010 (11:13 pm)I’ve just started playing around with it, and it’s a great app. I’ve only ever driven rental cars (and the one at the driving school.) so maybe this is old news to every else.
But I’m never going to get locked out of the car again! Well, unless I leave my phone in the car as well as the keys, which has been known to happen.
I wonder if people will mind if I use the honking feature to find my car in a parking lot…
Jan 6th, 2010 (11:19 pm)Life’s too short to worry about a little honkin (g). Glad you like the ap – I don’t (yet) have a phone on which to run it.
Dan and I DID post earlier about some addon features – including my “car compass” idea again. It seems like an easy addition for the software gurus.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 6th, 2010 (11:23 pm)HEADS UP
There is a woman named Kate on the “brake malfunction” thread that could use some advice regarding her situation. I’m sure any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 7th, 2010 (12:22 am)here is a link to this application being demonstrated… enjoy!
http://crackberry.com/ces-2010-chevy-and-onstar-show-blackberry-application-chevy-volt
Jan 7th, 2010 (1:01 am)lol…or perhaps, over a gallon of alcohol
Jan 7th, 2010 (1:23 am)#155
The batteries were not tested on customer’s cars.
Jan 7th, 2010 (7:26 am)Tag,
You just hit the nail on the head, and, drove it all the way home with one strike!!
There is a book we read in one of the psych classes (that I took back in 1982 or so) that explains these perspectives in detail.
“Top Dog, Under Dog”. It explains how an excessively-driven competition-based value system can take over a perspective obscessively to the point of making the individual quite miserable about everything.
Instead of a normal intellectual charity about everything, everything becomes a micromanaged competition. This is a sad way to live for the individual who is caught up in it, and, that same thinking process also actually causes the individual to make things not become advanced in the workplace as well as at home.
This is something I **concretely** look for when choosing shops to teach advanced technologies. If they react to my environmental stances as posted here with a clearly uncharitable wall of “blocking” when I stop by to see if they would like to contract for advanced L-1 training, I am aware right away of thier preferences. This is and has been extremely efficient for the pre-screening of shops that may be already too far behind in technical training, or, the atmosphere in that shop may not lend itself for about 12 hours of “teachable moments” (lasting 2.5 to 4.0 hours each).
Advancements in pay require advancements in tech training in all jobs nowadays. That’s why I’m insistent on helping people get all they need regarding “hands-on” tech experience, and, return to those same shops a year or two later to see if the situation has improved for learning.
Usually, though, within 15 months, they have gone out of business 62% of the time, not opening up anywhere else. They make thier own destinies based on how intellectually charitable or uncharitable they are.
Uncharitiable governmental leadership (**not** speaking of monetary charity, but only intellectual and spiritual charity only) is also bankrupting, which concerns me a lot for our wonderful State of Texas. Texas needs a different governor. The one we’ve got comes accross as being too ” ‘top dog’ mean” from how I see it. I hope everyone else in our State sees it that way too.
Jan 7th, 2010 (11:09 am)Good analysis. I think its really pretty simple. People HATE to be wrong. If they have gone out and bought a Prius, invested in that approach, they are very unlikely to turn around and admit that the Volt could even ‘possibly’ be a better solution. And they will find every imaginable data point by every imaginable method to prove their point. This is amplified when it come to autos; they are too much a reflection of who we are, like it or not. And too expensive to easily admit mistakes of purchase or thinking.
A lot of folks have switched from US brands to foriegn ones in the past decade, and the idea that US brands may have some better solutions now is probably maddening to them. This goes against the “common belief.” They couldn’t possibly have been WRONG, could they?
I’m simple, I want an American solution. I only buy GM cars because I like them and want to support them. If they are not “the best in class”, it doesn’t matter AT ALL to me. They are good enough for my requirements. I don’t care to support foreign companies if I can avoid it. I don’t even care if the Volt is the best solution, (even though I think it is). It is an American one.
Its not always about buying “the best” or “the top rated car” (as voted on by those who buy the top rated cars).
It reminds me of the movie Pretty Woman, when Julia Roberts asks Gere why he stays in the Penthouse at the hotel. His incredulous answer was, “It’s the best.” He spent the rest of the movie realizing what was really important.
+1
Jan 7th, 2010 (11:36 am)I touch app is “CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE AT CANADIAN STORE” @#@$#@^%^&!!!!!!
THANKS G.M.
Jan 7th, 2010 (1:38 pm)The thieves are going to have that either way. There’s nothing that someone can’t steal. Nothing is foolproof.
The best defense against thieves using technology to steal things (and they do!) is to have lots and lots of smart people working together to make it harder. And that’s what open source is great at.
With security through obscurity, only the bad guys know about the security problems. With openness, everyone will know, and it will get fixed faster.
Jan 8th, 2010 (12:15 am)[...] drivers of the Chevy Volt, GM has created a mobile application for use with BlackBerry, iPhone, and Android devices. It presents the user with data about the [...]
Jan 8th, 2010 (4:10 am)Does that means that in case is minus temperature or heat on the street you have to keep your car 24 hours preconditioned. That would be huge energy losses. I don’t understand what is going on!!!!
Jan 8th, 2010 (4:16 am)Does that means that in case is minus temperature or heat on the street you have to keep your car 24 hours preconditioned? That would be huge energy losses. I don’t understand what is going on!!!!
Jan 8th, 2010 (4:43 am)Steel,
May be you don’t understand what I wan?. I would like to have option on my phone before entering car (5 minutes or so) to turn conditioning on.
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:42 am)Cool. I’m impressed and excited this apps. I can’t imagine that i can access my car remotely using my cellphone. Connect to the volt, knows the temperature of your car and the important thing is easy to use. Go GM.
Jan 8th, 2010 (11:04 am)I wonder what the extra onstar charge will be to have this app
Jan 8th, 2010 (1:00 pm)I noticed a few people mentioned it already, but why no app for the Canadian iStore?
Jan 8th, 2010 (1:56 pm)I don’t care for Onstar either. I will definitely opt-out of onstar after the free trial period. Those features are nice to have but not necessary. Besides, if someone can add extra batteries and a plug to a prius, how long do you think it will be before they add wifi support to the Volt?
Jan 8th, 2010 (8:19 pm)Cool, but not what I need. I need:
-cool the cabin
-warm the cabin
-condition the battery (I’ll be very disappointed if the battery remains conditioned all the time I’m plugged in. What a waste of electricity!)
-1
Jan 10th, 2010 (8:04 am)Needs a in-car GPS and track car option…or is that the “track kid” option.
Jan 15th, 2010 (1:03 pm)*Their?
Feb 27th, 2010 (1:39 pm)I agree with the first comment, WHY NO WINDOWS MOBILE app? That’s just silly. Windows Mobile phones have a good share of the market, more than DROID…and considering that most of the world runs on Microsoft technology…seems pretty silly, considering how many windows developers there are …it’d be an easy app to create.
Windows Mobile has some of the best phones around, i.e. HTCs., and will be releasing Windows Mobile 7 in the upcoming year. I’m not a “Mac Guy”, because I actually use my technology to get work done, not just playing games…so consider this a lobby for Windows Mobile (I can even help with the app if needed, no charge).
Dan