For over a decade now new GM vehicles have come with a one-year subscription to OnStar. When the free period ends, GM drivers are charged $199 per year if they want to keep the service going.

GM has just announced that Chevy Volt buyers will get an extended free period of OnStar use. While the time extension hasn’t been specified yet the details have been promised for later this summer when the Chevy Volt pricing is revealed.

GM has explained that the reason for the OnStar subscription extension is because the Volt is significantly more dependant on the system than previous GM vehicles including functions that allow owners with iPhones, Blackberries and Android phones to check and manage their Volt’s charging and climate control remotely.