OnStar, General Motors’ subsidiary, is launching a web site to give Chevrolet Volt drivers access to fuel-economy and battery-charge data that could enable less-expensive electric bills.
The MyVolt.com site, which can be accessed from a PC or smartphone, leverages OnStar’s real-time data connection to enhance the overall Volt ownership experience.
It allows owners to perform tasks including checking their battery’s state of charge, setting the charge time and unlocking the doors.
Other techy benefits offered to Volt owners include a display to show whether the car is plugged in (and whether it’s charging at 120 or 240 volts), the creation of a charging schedule to make use of the best rates and the ability to monitor current battery state of charge and predicted range. One intriguing feature will allow OnStar to create its own charging schedule where the program will choose the lowest rates possible in order to achieve a full charge by a set time.
The web site also includes other benefits offered to Volt drivers such:
– Displays charge status, indicating whether the car is plugged in or not, and at what voltage (120V or 240V)
– Provides flexibility to “Charge Now” or schedule charging at a later time
– Displays percentage of battery charge level and expected electric and total ranges
– Displays miles per gallon, electric only miles, odometer readings and miles driven for last trip
– Remotely starts the vehicle to pre-condition the interior temperature
Chevrolet Volt owners will also be able to send their fuel-economy and battery-use data to Facebook and Twitter, as a way to show off their green driving, which OnStar expects to be important to Volt drivers.
