A new Apple CarPlay and Android Auto upgrade kit from White Automotive and Media Services (WAMS) adds complete functionality for both connectivity features to GM EVs that do not include either CarPlay or Auto from the factory.
As explained in the WAMS product video, the upgrade kit provides OEM-style integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with all the functions and conveniences smartphone users normally expect from these systems.
WAMS describes the kit as providing “fully integrated wired and wireless CarPlay and Android Auto in all the ways you’ve come to expect (and some you haven’t!)” without changing the performance or features of the OEM infotainment system. This includes the route mapping for EV chargers included in the factory system while simultaneously utilizing CarPlay or Auto features.
The functions offered after installation of the upgrade kit include the following per White Automotive’s product description:
- Full onscreen CarPlay and Auto
- Full integration with infotainment source menus
- Instrument cluster media display including “now playing” and source lists
- Display of Apple Maps in the instrument cluster
- Head-up Display turn-by-turn navigation if a HUD is present
Chevy Silverado EV
The upgrade kit works with four current models, including all trims of the Chevy Blazer EV, Chevy Equinox EV, and GMC Sierra EV, as well as the LT and RST trim levels of the Chevy Silverado EV.
However, while the details aren’t fully clear, it appears the WAMS upgrade kit will also support smartphone connectivity for the Cadillac Escalade IQ and all future EVs built on the GM architecture (previously known as Ultium).
Chevy Equinox EV
Chevy Blazer EV
Chevy Blazer EV
Currently, the upgrade kit will only be offered for GM EVs through dealership installation because of the high complexity of the process, which requires skilled technicians to complete successfully according to WAMS. What is required is said to be a dealership that is “up to the task of not only meticulously upgrading your EV but also one that will continue to provide stellar service after the fact.”
Comments
Very much needed to avoid loss of sales. But what is the cost? The dealership may have to cover the cost to maintain the sale.
GM is gonna void their warranty so fast!
“….a dealership that is “up to the task of not only meticulously upgrading your EV but also one that will continue to provide stellar service after the fact.”
I very much applaud their effort but I’ve never met a dealer that comes close to fitting that description. And just as Jesse states, the warranty would be null and void.
An estimated cost would be nice in this article. This is a sad state of automotive technology to pay for aftermarket fully integrated wired and wireless CarPlay and Android Auto when you factor in the cost of a new vehicle and limited features from GM.
Better idea: GM sell the vehicles with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto included as the customers want. Problem solved. That was easy.
I don’t see how they could do this without messing around with the car’s software. I wouldn’t want that at all.
The speculation is that Android Automotive natively supports CarPlay/AA and it may just be a matter of recompiling with a certain flag set to allow everything to work on the current hardware. Obviously they need to load the software in your multimedia system, but whether OTA updates would work or if every update needs to be recompiled and manually loaded is all speculation at this point (not to mention the legality of it all).
Great point, and OTAs could very well break this.
I think GM’s whole argument for why they don’t include CP/AA is silly. The Android Automotive interface is just ok, but really bad when it comes to things like controlling audio on the phone and texting. And I’ve had issues with mapping, where my iPhone did great, but it’s unsafe to use it without phone projection. I text and listen to music on my phone FAR more than navigating long distances requiring charging, so this argument about making a better navigation+charging experience is BS. I think it’s about them wanting the data and not wanting Apple to have so much power.
I love this idea, but do expect it would either be REALLY hard to find a dealer who would do this (and I would imagine GM would not be happy with their dealers if they did this), and would expect GM to use OTAs to undo whatever this is doing, so your money is wasted.
The infotainment system on GM EVs currently supports voice to text and the ability to listen to music from your phone in addition to integrating your charge level and plotting trips with charging stops. The only thing you don’t get is Apple maps. You can even upload Waze. I don’t understand what everyone is all up in arms about.
If my local dealer offered this upgrade kit and it wasn’t prohibitively expensive, I may consider buying a Blazer EV over the CarPlay/ Auto equipped built in the same building by the same people Honda Prologue.
I agree, it is all about subscription service revenue for GM. In the two years I’ve owned my Camaro SS, I get a call from GM, usually while driving the Camaro (spying much GM?), every two months or so, wanting me to add an OnStar & data plan subscription. As they fire off the benefits of the service, line by line, I simply answer: “my phone does that and more and doesn’t add another monthly bill.” There last gasp sales pitch “you’re phone won’t remotely start your car.” To which I respond “you are correct, but neither will your app (which would require my phone too work), because GM was too cheap to put a clutch defeat feature on manual transmission Camaros!”
so digging further into this…. there’s only one “authorized” dealer that will do this right now, which is lafontaine in michigan.
i’m concerned that the dealer could get in trouble with GM over the whole thing as well. they are marketing it on their website as “BRING YOUR EV EXPERIENCE TO THE NEXT LEVEL”…. hopefully GM doesn’t go after them…. yikes.
This was always a bone headed decision by GM.