Connect2Car Anywhere
Man holding mobile phone in car.
What it does: This system has struggled to find a market since it was introduced in 2006, but basically it equips any car with services like those of OnStar. Along with lock control and remote starting, the Anywhere app can let you know when your vehicle starts moving, track its location on a map and even shut off the engine remotely. There are less drastic functions, too, such as keeping logs of where the vehicle has gone in the past month or when it passed a given speed limit, nice features for concerned parents.
Platform: Large number of phones, including BlackBerries and iPhones
Availability: Requires $500 adapter. The app downloads from www.connect2car.com/mobile/.
OnStar MyLink
OnStar MyLink
What it does: General Motors first dipped its massive toe into control app territory at a January 2010 press conference, when it demonstrated a program that allows users to remotely start charging the Volt, GM's eagerly awaited electric vehicle. While that app isn't yet reality, since the Volt has yet to be released, GM has folded some of that software's functions into a more widespread OnStar app, debuting on the 2011 Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC models. Functions include remote start and door lock and unlock. Users will also have access to vehicle diagnostic info, such as fuel and oil levels. When the Volt is released, the app will also be upgraded to allow owners to schedule charging times, with the option of refueling as quickly as possible or whenever electricity is cheapest.
Platform: Android, iPhone; others expected to come
Availability: Launching with select 2011 models in October.
Nissan Leaf
2011 Nissan Leaf
What it does: Not much is known about this electric vehicle's forthcoming app, except that it provides real-time battery-level information and that it has nothing on the Volt's also-not-yet-available app. The only advantage the Nissan app has is its ability to remotely precondition the vehicle's cabin, turning on the air conditioning or heat while the Leaf is still plugged in. Preconditioning is a key to real-world EV feasibility, since it extends the effective range of the vehicle. We expect the Volt to have a similar function closer to launch.
Platform: Unknown
Availability: Expected to launch with the Leaf in December.
Read: First Look: Nissan Leaf Electric Vehicle
Based out of the Boston area, Erik Sofge is frequent contributor to Popular Mechanics and Slate.com. He specializes in everything scientific and technical.
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