OnStar Launches App to Show Actual Cost of Charging Volt

OnStar has launched an experimental app in Austin, Texas, that tells VoltChevrolet VoltUnited States of America, 2011 > present3 photos
owners how much electricity from the grid their car has consumed and how much that electricity has cost. 

The app is called EcoHub and is currently in testing with the Pecan Street demonstration project in Austin, Texas. The app uses the home energy data already generated by the Pecan Street project. It combines those data with the data about the Volt's energy use. That allows the app to show the amount of energy that the Volt has taken from the energy grid on a daily, monthly or yearly basis. The Pecan Street project also keeps track of the energy cost and relates that data to the app. That way, the app also knows the cost that the Volt has added to the users electricity bill. 

“For the first time we’re able to put one of our Smart Grid solutions into the hands of actual consumers, thanks in part to our partnership with Pecan Street. Down the line, we hope this app can be a beneficial tool for all drivers of electric vehicles,” said Paul Pebbles, global manager of electric vehicles at GMGMUnited States of America, 1998 > present8 models
240 photos
. 

There is little keeping this app from eventually being available to all Volt users. To work, the user must have a smart utility meter for the app to gain data from. This technology is still in its infancy but is available to interested consumers. 

“We’ve found that Volt owners love to keep track of and compare their personal driving stats, like electric miles driven for example. The EcoHub app is another great example of using the vehicle’s embedded technology to provide Volt owners with useful information,” said Cristi Landy, Chevrolet Volt marketing director.