General Motors said Friday its future electric vehicles will not offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The technologies, which are on GM’s vehicles now, allow drivers to bypass the infotainment system to view their smartphone screens on the instrument panel’s display.
GM said it will gradually shift to built-in infotainment systems that use Google’s Android Automotive platform. GM will customize the platform for use in GM’s future EVs starting with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, which goes on sale this summer starting at $44,995.
The automaker’s phase out of the current systems could allow GM to capture more data from consumers on how they drive and charge EVs.
GM’s Chief Digital Officer Edward Kummer said a built-in infotainment system will help GM optimize the routing and charging experience for EV customers. For example, GM can account for the temperature of the vehicle’s battery when routing to a charging station and get the battery ready for charging before a customer arrives at that station. This would maximize range and minimize charging time.
“As we scale our EVs and launch our Ultifi software platform, we can do more than ever beforewith in-vehicle technologies and over-the-air updates,” Kummer said in a statement. “All of this is allowing us to constantly improve the customer experience we can offer across our brands.”
The GM-designed display and infotainment system will also be included in the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, which goes on this spring starting at about $30,000, 2024 Cadillac Celestiq, which also goes on sale later this year starting at $300,000, and the 2025 GMC Sierra EV, Kummer said.
The Blazer EV will come with standard connectivity that allows customers to access Google Maps and Google Assistant, at no additional cost for eight years beginning at the time of purchase, Kummer said. GM customers with Apple and Android smartphones will still be able to access hands-free calling, hands-free voice texting and streaming music through Bluetooth.
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The new system will allow GM to offer new content, features and services as it scales its EV and software platforms, such as the following:
- EV routing based on real-time vehicle sensor data such as state of charge, tire pressure, outside temperature and traffic.
- Locating charging stations and sharing real-time station availability based on the vehicle’s current state of charge.
- Creating navigation routing options for advanced hands-free driving technologies such as Super Cruise and the future Ultra Cruise.
- Controlling key vehicle functions with voice commands.
- Downloading software updates and apps over-the-air.
- Customizable screens to get access to the larger GM ecosystem.
GM’s internal combustion engine vehicles will retain Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technologies as will the 2024 model years of the GMC Hummer EV pickup and SUV, Cadillac Lyriq SUV, Silverado EV, and Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV.
GM has said it will transition to a zero-emissions line up across all its brands by 2035.
This story has been updated to reflect that GM is using Google’s Android Automotive platform, but the use of the platform is not exclusive to GM.
Contact Jamie L. LaReau at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @jlareauan. Read more on General Motors and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
