Chery Malaysia introduces CarLinko connectivity app for Tiggo PHEV models

Quick look

• CarLinko is a connectivity app specially for the Chery Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 PHEV, allowing remote management and monitoring of the vehicle via a smartphone.

• It is available free of charge and can be downloaded from the Apple or Google app stores. However, activation has to be done by an authorised Chery dealer.

Connectivity is an increasingly common term in the features of the latest cars, allowing owners to be connected and interact with their car’s system. Many cars can now connect to smartphones and mirror apps onto the infotainment screen which can be accessed.

Some automakers also have their own connectivity apps that are customised for their own models. Chery is one of them and has a dedicated connectivity platform designed for its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) owners.

For PHEV models
The app, known as CarLinko, is now available for Malaysian owners as a digital interface for the Tiggo 7 PHEV and Tiggo 8 PHEV which entered the Malaysian market last year.

Available at no charge from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, the mobile app acts as a bridge between the user and the vehicle’s onboard systems. According to Chery Malaysia, the integration of this technology is part of an effort to provide smarter energy management of PHEV systems as well as cabin comfort and energy usage.

With the CarLinko app on a compatible smartphone, there is a secondary layer of utility which allows owners to monitor the energy levels of the battery and manage vehicle functions remotely through a smartphone.

Useful features
One of the primary functional features of the app is the remote activation of the air conditioning system. This allows the user to have the air-conditioning running and cooling the cabin even before the driver gets in. That’s surely something which Malaysians will appreciate after returning to the car from lunch on a hot day!

Additionally, the software includes a vehicle locator function that identifies the car’s position in parking areas, addressing a common logistical issue faced by drivers in high-density urban environments.

For energy management, the CarLinko app makes it easy to schedule battery charging cycles. This feature is particularly relevant for home charging, as it enables owners to set specific times for electricity draw. By managing these charging windows, users can set charging to take place when electricity rates are lower.

Real-time and historical operating data
Data transparency is a significant component of the application’s interface. Users can access real-time information regarding the vehicle’s current mileage and remaining driving range for both the battery and the fuel tank. This allows for more precise trip planning without the need to physically be inside the car to check the instrument cluster.

The app also provides useful information such as historical fuel consumption data. Information on tyre pressures is also available so there’s no need to physically check them.

Maintenance tracking is integrated into the digital platform to assist with long-term vehicle care. Owners can view their upcoming service schedules and look through historical service records directly on their mobile devices.

This centralized record-keeping is designed to help owners stay organized regarding mechanical upkeep and ensure that they don’t forget when it’s time for a scheduled service.

Activation process
There is no charge to use the CarLinko app which is a standard inclusion with all Chery PHEV models sold in Malaysia. For those taking delivery of new vehicles, the activation and pairing of the app will be handled by the dealer during the delivery process. This ensures that the digital credentials and vehicle synchronization are correctly established before the owner leaves the showroom.

Existing owners of the Tiggo 7 or Tiggo 8 PHEV who do not yet have the app active will need to visit an authorized Chery dealership for the initial set-up. This physical visit is required to verify ownership and perform a secure pairing of the smartphone to the vehicle’s telematics system. Chery Malaysia emphasizes that this verification step is necessary to maintain the security of the remote-control functions.

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