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What is a car API?
We have developed for our customers an Application Programming Interface (API) for their operations that feeds vehicle information. This data can be easily translated to an end-user interface which is configurable in many ways.
An API acts as the software that communicates between the vehicle and the end-user. High Mobility's API forms part of our Software Development Kits (SDKs). Giving a helping hand to fleet management organisations that are building an application.
How does a car API work?
Acting as a database of information, the API receives live vehicle data. From this stems four main categories that API's action:
- GET: Retrieving data from a server.
- POST: Sending updated data to a server.
- PUT: Updating current information on a server.
- DELETE: Removing current information from a server.
APIs are a large part of a developer toolkit. With the transition from a single application on one server, APIs are now sliced up as a small part of a microservice application. Either the cloud stores major components or APIs form part of a SaaS (Software as a Service) package.
A car API may be one of many APIs that connect code together. Reusing components that public APIs access, allows developers to integrate third-party features.
In recent years, the advancement in APIs has introduced innovative solutions, especially in the Automotive industry. This is where High Mobility comes in.
High Mobility partner with major vehicle brands and offer their live car data directly from an easy-to-use unified API. Removing the need of any hardware and adapting their code for each OEM when our customers develop their applications.
Which Vehicle Data Points Does an API Use?
Any number of vehicle data points are integrated as part of our API:
- Live Vehicle Location
- Journey Information including time and distance
- Fuel Economy both Live and Average
- Estimated Range
- Tyre Pressures
- Oil Temperature
- Coolant Temperature
- Seat Belt Status
- Locking Status
- Window Open/Closed
- Lights Status
- Odometer Reading
- Speedometer Reading
- ADAS Data
- Occupancy Data
- Ignition Data
- Service Data including Upcoming Service Records
And much more - Check data availability table here.
What is a car API used for?
The opportunities for a car API are endless. We at High Mobility have partnerships with major vehicle brands. Allowing the widest range of vehicle data accessible by our customers.
APIs are typically used by fleet management organisations, car rental companies, law enforcement and emergency services. Who all need a bespoke platform that allows them to access live vehicle data.
Car APIs can be integrated into an app or web-based interface by our customers. High Mobility has the tools and SDKs needed for smooth integration. With support from our experienced developer team, getting live vehicle data onto your platform is simple.
Connected Car Technology
Example Use Cases for a Car API
Car APIs are used in many different ways. For fleet management to keep track of their vehicles out in the field. Estimating their range can prevent unnecessary stoppages, send drivers to the nearest fuel station and ensure they do not run out of fuel on a critical journey.
Car rental companies can track how their vehicles are being driven. A poor fuel economy indicates the customer did not drive the vehicle smoothly. Or if a vehicle strays out of a dedicated safe zone then end-users at the rental company can be notified.
Other examples include low tyre pressure or high oil temperature could indicate the car needs to go in for repair or maintenance. With an oil or tyre pressure top-up to correctly maintain the vehicle. This allows users to get back on the road as soon as possible.
Services can be scheduled into workshops in advance. Reducing turnaround time is vital in an efficiently run operation, as it prevents unnecessary vehicle downtime and expensive repairs.
Connected Vehicle Data Use Cases
Challenges in the Automotive Industry
App-based services are an integral part of modern vehicles. They are features that car brands promote and develop. Vehicle owners download an app, pair up their car and can access live vehicle information in a matter of minutes. With brands having a multitude of apps and telematics systems, it is a challenge for fleet managers to merge all different carmakers' systems together.
With a host of APIs required for integrating vehicle access for all vehicle brands. It is a headache for developers to integrate vehicle data into their software. Some have to turn to hardware upgrades that can be costly and require installation for every car in their fleet.
High Mobility’s Solution
We standardise all our partnered brands’ information and apps into one easy-to-use API. Doing all the legwork, our range of SDKs can be integrated in a way that works for your setup. Using the car's VIN, our API collects manufacturer-specific data. The data can easily flow into our customer's service interface for their needs.
Fleet managers and rental companies are assured of data protection as it is sent encrypted via our central servers on the cloud. We have strict measures including GDPR and ISO27001 to ensure sensitive data is handled correctly. Plus, our conformance to TISAX, which works with data protection and is involved directly with the German Automotive Industry leaves nothing to chance.
