Chevrolet Volt Gets Web Based Remote Control

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Chevy Volt

General Motors has launched a new website, MyVolt.com, which will let Chevrolet Volt drivers use certain cell phones or their computer to remotely access information about their car and control some of its functions, the car maker said Wednesday.

Later this month, owners of the electric and extended-gas-range vehicle will be able to check the status of their battery charge and unlock car doors with GM's OnStar real-time data network. The website will also let owners schedule the charge time; indicate whether the car is plugged in and at what voltage; display the battery charge level percentage and expected electric and total ranges; show miles per gallon, as well as electric-only miles; view odometer readings and the amount of miles driven on the last trip; and start the vehicle remotely to pre-condition the interior temperature.

Once Volt owners manually set charge modes for off-peak times when electricity rates are low, they can send charge reminders, interruptions of charges, and when a charge is complete, via text or email.

"Tools like MyVolt.com and the OnStar MyLink Mobile App put command and control into the hands of our customers" said OnStar president Chris Preuss, in a statement. "Our technology allows customers to take control of their energy consumption by making informed choices about their charging needs."

A monthly OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics email report is also available and users can opt-in to view a summary of results from queries on hundreds of diagnostic trouble codes along with explanations of energy efficiency, maintenance information, tire pressure, and OnStar account status.

Volt owners can also use the website to link to social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter to share energy efficiency, driving history, rate/charge details, and other vehicle information.

The Onstar MyLink Mobile app will be available on Oct. 30 on select Android 2.1 or later smartphones with WVGA or HVGA resolution, although GM did not name specific models. It will also be available for iPhone and iPad devices. The application is free for Volt owners for the first five years. OnStar provides real-time security and communications services on over 40 GM models.