[Alan Spector]

With Android Auto connected can the Plugshare app be visible on the Bolt's screen ?

 

[sharkvolt]

I couldn't get any other Apps to show up, or run, other than Google maps.

But I am horrible at working any Apps/accessories on my phone also. Most of the icons are terrible at telling me what they do, and I can't find any Help buttons or see any pop up descriptions for most of it.

I guess technology has just passed me by. (at only 73 years old)

But I maintain that icons should at least hint at what they do, otherwise, it is poor programming.

 

[jagger]

In android auto I would imagine Plugshare would be viewable through the navigation section. I have plugshare installed on my phone and didn't see it as an option. The only place I've seen other apps through android auto are through the music apps (spotify, pandora, amazon music).

 

[EldRick]

You have a good imagination, but Plugshare and other phone apps are not part of AA, and there is no "cast" option for the 10" display like your TV.

 

[Bazinga]

I'm guessing it's too hard to make the infotainment system compatible with every app out there, but you'd think Chevy would at least make the more popular charging apps available on the screen.

 

[Sean Nelson]

I'm guessing it's too hard to make the infotainment system compatible with every app out there, but you'd think Chevy would at least make the more popular charging apps available on the screen.

It's not up to Chevy to do this, it's up to the app developers to make their products compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

 

[sharkvolt]

Hopefully, Plugshare and some of the other Apps will add AA support to their Apps soon.

 

[chrisco1987]

Good news is that you can search ev charging in google maps and it will come up with the stations based on your location. Assuming you have Location turned on in your phone.

 

[PlugShare]

With Android Auto connected can the Plugshare app be visible on the Bolt's screen ?

There is a workaround for using PlugShare when Android Auto is connected.

Find the location in the PlugShare App, in PlugShare use the Get Directions option and select your favorite navigation app which will display directions on Android Auto.

Here is video that shows the steps -

 

[GetOffYourGas]

There is a workaround for using PlugShare when Android Auto is connected.

Find the location in the PlugShare App, in PlugShare use the Get Directions option and select your favorite navigation app which will display directions on Android Auto.

Here is video that shows the steps -

This is my tried-and-true method of finding (and getting to) charging stations.
I'm not convinced PlugShare on AA/CarPlay is a good idea - there are some things you just shouldn't be doing while driving. If you have a passenger, have them unplug the phone and follow the steps above.

 

[Alathorne]

Hmm, that is an unfortunate situation. I haven't actually tried this myself while driving. I just tried a voice command through Google Assistant on my phone, to navigate to the closest EVGo station. It loaded up Maps and pointed it out. Of course you do not get any of the other features of Plugshare. I might experiment a little with using an older tablet on the car's wi-fi hotspot if I have a passenger, or stopping on the side of the road if I do not.

 

[RichCapeCod]

I'm going to check out the video on using Plug Share and AA. During a recent trip I tried asking Waze where were the EV chargers? Waze responded very well to the question, and made numerous suggestions for charging locations.

Rich

 

[cwerdna]

It's not up to Chevy to do this, it's up to the app developers to make their products compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

For Plugshare w/CarPlay, Plugshare responded as to why they can't do it for CarPlay, for now at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Plu...1107708256098358/?comment_id=1109514999251017.

Their response was:
"We’re really excited about bringing PlugShare to CarPlay but currently there are some huge barriers for apps like ours that CarPlay users haven’t really heard about from Apple and why you are seeing CarPlay navigation apps only from giant Navigation companies. Today to build a CarPlay Navigation app: 1) Developers have to provide their own map imagery and road data. Developers cannot use Apple’s MapKit SDK which is what we use in PlugShare for iOS. This is an massive challenge. 2) Developers have to be able to provide route guidance in the app you can not “link out” to Apple Maps, Google Maps or the Cars Nav system. We’re looking at products and partnerships that could help make PlugShare for CarPlay a reality but the current requirements are extremely steep. Hopefully that makes some sense. It’s something we want to make happen very much it is just not straightforward for an app like ours. Thanks for the praise and happy charging! "

From what I hear from Tesla drivers, their UI and trip planner for long distance drives involving Superchargers is very good.

Side note: I can't speak to how well it works with current gen Leafs but gen 1 Leaf (2011 to 2017) as long as you don't have an S trim has a database of charging stations accessible on its nav system. Charging station icons show up on the map and the database is updated over cellular connection. If you hit the 1st low battery warning, it'll suggest you go to a charging station and can direct you to them.

Alas, the database is terrible and might include stations that don't exist or are closed. It doesn't even have pricing info (only distinguishes between free and not free), doesn't list hours nor does it give you any sense of how reliably one might be able to charge somewhere (like Plugshare ratings and reports). In short, it's total crap and almost useless. One should never depend on it alone. Need to supplement w/Plugshare.