The new EcoHub app, which works through GM’s OnStar telematics program, will be tested by residents of the Pecan Street project.

GM has developed an app that lets Volt owners keep track of how much it costs to charge their batteries, as well as how their EV charging costs compare with their total home energy consumption. The new EcoHub app, which works through GM’s OnStar telematics program, will be tested by residents of the Pecan Street demonstration project in Austin, Texas.

“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,” said GM’s Paul Pebbles. “Down the line, we hope this app can be a beneficial tool for all drivers of electric vehicles.”

EcoHub pulls overall home energy usage data from a utility or smart meter company, and collects Volt charging information from OnStar subscribers and Volt owners who opt in. The data is then aggregated to show vehicle owners how much energy is being used on a daily, monthly or yearly basis, and the percentage of that energy that went to charging the Volt.

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