Nissan’s First Networked Car to Feature Built-in iPhone Functionality
12:30 pm, July 27th, 2009, Lonnie Lazar
Nissan's networked car will feature controls using an iPhone app.
Nissan unveiled the details Monday on its plan to produce the first electric, fully-networked consumer automobile, which will function with an exclusive remote-control iPhone application to make efficient use of the car’s battery.
Dubbed Car 2.0, Nissan’s idea suggests the next generation of cars will connect to public and private power grids and communication networks, and will function similarly to electronic gadgets familiar to consumers today.
Nissan calls the system controlling the auto EV-IT, a central brain encompassing an onboard transmitting unit that stays connected by mobile networks to a global data center.
Drivers will be able to view the driving radius within range of their battery charge level on a navigation map, and also find detailed information about available charging stations within range, according to a report describing the car at Earth2Tech.
The iPhone app will let drivers access information about the time required for a full charge and the current temperature inside the vehicle. The app will also let drivers control air conditioning and heating from outside the vehicle, allowing them to cool down or heat up their vehicle while it’s still plugged in rather than using the battery once they are on the road.
The final prototype for Nissan’s 2010 electric car is set to debut on August 2nd.
Posted by Lonnie Lazar in First impressions, News, iPhone | Comment on this article
Sounds like a great idea. Though potential could Apple be responsible for onboard computer repairs?
Matt Edwards, on July 27th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Yet another reason to get an iPhone! ;-D
I wonder if Apple helped develop this new car… and are there other products being similarly developed with the iPhone in mind?
fotostuf, on July 28th, 2009 at 6:26 am