Guess what just became available for GM’s Ultium EVs? Despite recent shifts in GM’s strategy, White Automotive & Media Services (WAMS) has launched a new CarPlay and Android Auto upgrade kit for those GM EV owners who want it. This kit adds back the smartphone connectivity that many thought would be gone for good.
GM’s recent decision to remove CarPlay and Android Auto from its upcoming electric lineup has left many drivers disappointed. The lack of what used to be a standard and extremely customer friendly feature is potentially tanking GM’s chances with next gen vehicle buyers. But… what if there was an aftermarket solution? Starting today, there is.
Now, thanks to WAMS, owners of most GM EV models can re-enable these popular features, bringing familiar, full-featured smartphone functionality back to their dashboards.
What’s in the “Upgrade Kit?” Here’s the Breakdown:
This isn’t just a plug-and-play adapter or add on hardware; the WAMS upgrade “kit” that completely adds back Android Auto and Apple Carplay to your GM EV.
That means:
- OEM-Style Integration: CarPlay and Android Auto appear and function like they would in any factory-equipped vehicle, including access to Siri or Google Assistant for voice commands.
- Maps on the Instrument Cluster: Apple Maps directions can display on the instrument cluster, putting real-time navigation just a glance away.
- HUD Navigation: If your GM EV is equipped with a HUD, you’ll also see turn-by-turn directions on the windshield display.
Supported GM Ultium EVs
The upgrade kit is compatible with these GM EVs:
- Chevrolet Blazer EV (All Trims)
- Chevrolet Equinox EV (All Trims)
- Chevrolet Silverado EV (RST / LT)
- GMC Sierra EV (All Trims)
The Backstory – Why Is This A Big Deal?
In 2023, GM announced that it would be phasing out CarPlay and Android Auto in favor of an embedded infotainment system developed in partnership with Google, explaining that this shift would allow better integration with vehicle systems and safety features. The decision generated some pushback, as many drivers prefer the flexibility and familiarity of CarPlay and Android Auto. White Automotive’s kit brings back these features for those who want the connectivity they’re used to, solving a gap that some drivers didn’t expect to face.
Installation Details
To get the kit installed, owners can head to one of WAMS’ authorized installation partners. These will be typically GM dealerships, as they own the vehicle communication equipment needed and have the experience for the upgrade.
For more details or to find an installer near you, check out White Automotive & Media Services at whiteautoandmedia.com.
For potential GM EV owners who miss the simplicity of CarPlay and Android Auto, White Automotive just turned a “no way” into a solid “yes.”