A car API connects fleet software to data and, where supported, commands from connected vehicles. Standard Fleet brings together information from multiple manufacturers so operators can manage gas-powered and electric vehicles through one platform.
- OEM integrations can eliminate the need for aftermarket tracking devices on compatible vehicles.
- Fleet managers can view available fuel, battery, location, and other vehicle data in one place.
- Supported APIs and commands can connect vehicle information to fleet operations, access, and payment workflows.
Fleet operators have traditionally relied on aftermarket devices to track vehicles and collect telematics data. That can mean purchasing hardware, scheduling installations, and troubleshooting devices across the fleet.
OEM integrations offer another approach. For compatible connected vehicles, Standard Fleet can access supported vehicle data without an aftermarket tracker. A unified vehicle API helps operators bring data from multiple manufacturers into their existing systems—whether their fleet includes internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, electric vehicles (EVs), or both.
Manufacturers structure vehicle data differently. A multi-OEM platform translates supported data into a more consistent format, making it easier to use information from different makes in the same dashboard or software integration.
For example, an operator might view fuel levels for supported gas-powered vehicles alongside battery state of charge for supported EVs. Developers can access available fleet data through Standard Fleet’s API rather than building and maintaining a separate integration for every manufacturer.
The data available still depends on the vehicle and its manufacturer.
Aftermarket tracking devices require purchasing or leasing hardware, managing shipping logistics, scheduling technician installations, and replacing damaged units. Standard Fleet’s approach utilizing OEM integrations eliminates tracking hardware on compatible vehicles, enabling fast, fleet-wide deployment without downtime.
Aftermarket devices and OEM integrations both connect vehicles to fleet software, but they do so differently:
- Installation: Aftermarket devices must be installed in each vehicle. OEM integrations use existing vehicle connectivity on eligible vehicles.
- Data: Both approaches can provide useful telematics. Available fields and update frequency depend on the vehicle, manufacturer, or device.
- Coverage: OEM integrations work with compatible connected vehicles. Hardware can help cover vehicles or use cases that lack the necessary factory connectivity.
- Operations: OEM onboarding can reduce installation work, while hardware adds purchasing, deployment, and maintenance steps. Costs and timelines vary by fleet.
Available data varies by manufacturer, vehicle, model year, and connection. Depending on compatibility, a vehicle API may provide:
- Location and usage: Location, mileage, speed, and trip information.
- Fuel and energy: Fuel level, battery state of charge, charging status, or estimated range.
- Vehicle health: Diagnostic trouble codes and other available maintenance information.
- Vehicle status: Supported information such as lock or ignition state.
Some compatible vehicles also support remote commands. Data availability and refresh frequency should be confirmed for the vehicles in your fleet.
Before integrating a vehicle API, start with a VIN compatibility review and ask:
- Which vehicles and data fields are supported?
- How often is each field updated, and what happens when a vehicle is offline?
- Which remote commands are available for each vehicle?
- What authorization or connected-service subscriptions are required?
- Are the API responses and available webhooks suitable for your workflows?
A field that updates periodically may be useful for reporting but not for a workflow that requires immediate action.
Vehicle data can help operators understand whether assets are being used and ready for their next assignment. Useful information includes:
- Last known location and movement: Identify vehicles that may be sitting unused.
- Odometer and trip data: Understand how much vehicles are being driven.
- Fuel or battery level: Check whether a vehicle is ready for its next assignment.
To measure utilization itself, operators can compare time or days in use against time or days available, using a consistent definition across the fleet.
Remote commands depend on the vehicle, manufacturer, and the operator’s authorization. For supported vehicles, authorized users or integrations can send available commands through Standard Fleet.
Before enabling commands, operators should understand which users and integrations have access, what actions are supported, and what steps are required to onboard each vehicle.
Depending on the vehicle and integration, authorized operators may be able to send commands such as:
- Locking or unlocking doors
- Adjusting climate settings
- Opening a trunk or frunk
Standard Fleet also supports digital-key workflows for certain vehicles. Command and digital-key availability vary by make, model, and configuration.
A car API lets authorized software request or receive information from a connected vehicle through the manufacturer’s systems. For eligible vehicles, Standard Fleet can access supported data using the vehicle’s existing connectivity, without installing an aftermarket tracker.
Onboarding and authorization requirements vary by manufacturer and may include VINs, account access, consent, or ownership documentation.
Depending on the manufacturer and integration, vehicle data may be delivered through periodic requests, streaming, or event-based updates. Refresh frequency can vary by vehicle, field, connectivity, and configuration.
If your workflow depends on frequent updates (i.e., dispatching an EV based on its charge level), confirm the expected data cadence for those vehicles before integrating.
A unified vehicle API can reduce the work of building and maintaining separate integrations for each manufacturer. Standard Fleet brings supported vehicle data together and makes it available through its platform and API.
To get started, operators can share their VINs and complete the required manufacturer-specific authorization. Timelines and available functionality depend on the vehicles and integrations involved.
For fleets made up of eligible connected vehicles, OEM integrations can reduce or eliminate the need for separate tracking devices. Fleets with older vehicles or different operational requirements may still need hardware for some assets.
Standard Fleet also supports certain hardware integrations, giving operators another way to connect vehicles when OEM data alone doesn’t meet their needs.
Managing a mixed fleet doesn’t have to mean building separate systems for every manufacturer. Standard Fleet brings supported vehicle data and capabilities together, helping operators and developers connect that information to their existing workflows.
Book a 15-minute demo to see how Standard Fleet can support your fleet.
