Data Items

Using telematics devices, cars can distribute data for many purposes for an end-user. Car data is created by electrical sensors linked to the ECU or Electronic Control Unit. An ECU is linked to an onboard telematics device which transmits live data. A user in a central location receives this data over the air, with an end interface that can be configured in a way that works for their business.Many attributes of a car can be transmitted live or at set intervals using GPS and mobile data networks.

Using car data, fleet management companies analyse their vehicles to help reduce costs, prevent maintenance issues and schedule service appointments in advance. Governments and councils can use car technical data to better manage traffic. Insurance companies can have real-world use cases for their customers and the introduction of smart cities with connected cars results in more efficient infrastructure. Most importantly, emergency services receive live vehicle data to accurately locate an accident, with automatic triggers to call ambulances if the vehicle senses it is in a severe accident.

Open Airtable

Our connected car data catalogue grows with every new manufacturer. Explore the variety of data items available via our Auto API.

Full Data Catalog

Our data catalog on Airtable contains technical information specific to each data category, including its properties and their production availability.

Open Airtable

What Is Plugged-In Status Data?

The vehicle may need to be plugged into a public or home charging system. The status of charging is communicated within the car using data networks. The charger network also needs to be informed to allow charging and to stop charging if the vehicle is not plugged in.

Telematics modules in EVs allow users to check the plugged-in status data using an app on their smartphone. This can be remotely checked anywhere in the world using mobile data networks and a central server that both the vehicle and user access. The plugged-in data informs users if a vehicle is plugged-in and charging, plugged in and completed charging, or not plugged in.

Use Cases

Fleet management organisations can check whether a car is charging and plugged in. Once charging is complete and the vehicle is still plugged in, that vehicle can be switched to another that needs charging. This allows efficient charging schedules and makes sure entire fleets are operating, with minimal downtime.

Users at home may need to work out if their vehicle is charging and plugged in. Reminders can be sent to a user's smartphone if the plugged in data shows charging complete, or if there are any issues with the charger. Allowing users to begin or end charging remotely too.