General Motors' decision to eliminate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from its electric vehicles has been met with widespread criticism from customers and rivals alike. However, a new aftermarket kit from White Automotive and Media Services (WAMS) promises to restore the popular phone-mirroring features to Chevy and GMC EVs, offering a potential workaround for disgruntled owners.

The kit, which is currently compatible with the Chevy Equinox, Blazer, and Silverado EVs, as well as the GMC Sierra EV, claims to provide "fully integrated wired and wireless CarPlay and Android Auto" without compromising any existing features or functionality. A promotional video on the company's website showcases the upgrade, demonstrating seamless integration with voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant, as well as Apple Maps in the instrument cluster and turn-by-turn navigation in the Heads-Up Display.

While the solution appears to be a welcome reprieve for GM EV owners, its availability is limited. Due to the complexity of the installation process and the company's desire to provide a premium customer experience, the aftermarket kit is only available through a single dealership, LaFontaine Chevrolet in Plymouth, Michigan. The installation cost remains unknown, and WAMS has not responded to requests for comment.

GM's decision to ditch CarPlay and Android Auto in its EVs was announced in 2023, with the company citing a desire to offer a more immersive and integrated experience for customers. However, the move has been met with widespread criticism, with many owners relying on phone projection to access their preferred media players and contact lists. Rivals have been quick to capitalize on GM's decision, reaffirming their commitment to keeping CarPlay and Android Auto in their own vehicles.

GM's struggles with its Google-based Ultifi software have also been well-documented, with a stop-sale order issued on the Chevy Blazer EV after several reviewers reported bricked vehicles. Although the order was lifted in March, the company's rollout of the software has been far from smooth.

The aftermarket kit from WAMS raises questions about the future of phone-mirroring features in GM EVs. Will the company reconsider its decision to drop CarPlay and Android Auto, or will it continue to rely on its proprietary software? As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how GM will respond to customer demands and rival innovations.

In the meantime, the WAMS aftermarket kit offers a glimmer of hope for GM EV owners seeking to restore the functionality they once had. While its limited availability and unknown cost may be a barrier for many, it represents a potential solution to a contentious issue that has sparked widespread debate in the automotive industry.