EVPlay has launched a new device that, along with an app downloaded to the infotainment system, allows for phone mirroring in GM EVs. Back in 2023, General Motors revealed it would stop offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its electric vehicles, before stating last October that it would eventually phase out phone-mirroring tech on its gas-powered cars too. This caused quite the stir in the automotive world, given how much many new-car shoppers prioritize phone mirroring.
Now, there's a third-party solution to the problem, with the launch of the EVPlay LT system for GM electric vehicles. Made by a company called EVPlay, the LT device allows both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for most GM EVs. These include the 2024–2026 Chevy Equinox EV, Blazer EV, and Silverado EV; the GMC Sierra EV and Hummer EV; and the Cadillac Escalade IQ and IQL, Optiq, and Vistiq. The system costs $199, requires no subscription fees, and is fairly simple to operate.
View Price on AmazonEVPlay states that owners will need to install an application on the vehicle's infotainment system before connecting the small device via a USB port. EVPlay says there are no special tools or modifications to the vehicle needed for setting up the EVPlay LT system and claims that the whole setup process should only take around two minutes.
The company also offers a more extreme system called EVPlay Max, which allows for video streaming, gaming, HDMI connectivity, the ability to link Bluetooth accessories, and the ability to download Android applications through the Google Play Store. The Max costs a steeper $425, and the company says it can also be used as a mobile Android-based computer outside the vehicle. The company offers an EVPlay Max system designed for Rivians too.
EVPlay does note that it is theoretically possible for GM to disable the software after it has been installed. "We would obviously keep up the good fight as long as we could, but ultimately they are in control of their system, and customers should accept the fact that GM could eventually disable this," the company wrote on its website. "We are all in agreement that it would be ridiculous for them to do so, as a happy GM customer is a loyal GM customer."
Source: caranddriver.com
