Automotive
When General Motors announced it would eliminate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from its latest electric vehicles, many buyers were left wondering if there would ever be a workaround. For drivers who rely on familiar smartphone interfaces for navigation, music, messaging, and apps, the decision was a controversial one. Now, a new aftermarket solution called EVPlay LT promises to bring both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto back to a growing list of GM-built EVs with a setup process that appears surprisingly simple, as we found out from Car and Driver.
The EVPlay LT system is designed specifically for many of GM’s newest electric vehicles, including the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Blazer EV, Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, Hummer EV, and several Cadillac EV models. Priced at $199 with no recurring subscription fees, the device works by combining a downloadable app for the vehicle’s infotainment system with a compact USB-connected module. According to the company, installation requires no special tools, no vehicle modifications, and can be completed in about two minutes.
Getting started is straightforward. Owners first download the EVPlay application to their vehicle’s infotainment system. Once installed, the EVPlay LT device is plugged into a USB port within the vehicle. After the initial setup, drivers can access either wired or wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, restoring many of the features GM intentionally removed from its electric vehicle lineup. For many owners, that means regaining seamless access to familiar smartphone navigation apps, music services, messaging functions, and voice assistants.
For those looking for even more functionality, EVPlay also offers a premium version called EVPlay Max. The more advanced system expands beyond phone mirroring and adds features such as video streaming, gaming capabilities, HDMI connectivity, Bluetooth accessory support, and access to Android applications through the Google Play Store. The EVPlay Max carries a significantly higher price tag of $425, but it essentially transforms the infotainment system into a more versatile Android-based computing platform.
As promising as the solution sounds, there is one important caveat. EVPlay openly acknowledges that General Motors ultimately controls the software environment within its vehicles, meaning future updates could theoretically block the functionality. While there is no indication that such action is imminent, buyers should understand that third-party solutions always carry some level of uncertainty. Still, for GM EV owners who have been searching for a way to restore Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, EVPlay LT may finally provide the answer they’ve been waiting for.
Darryl Taylor Dowe is a seasoned automotive professional with a proven track record of leading successful ventures and providing strategic consultation across the automotive industry. With years of hands-on experience in both business operations and market development, Darryl has played a key role in helping automotive brands grow and adapt in a rapidly evolving landscape. His insight and leadership have earned him recognition as a trusted expert, and his contributions to Automotive Addicts reflect his deep knowledge and passion for the business side of the car world.
