Today, Smartcar is launching its API platform for EV charging services. Our technology allows EV charging networks and other EV charging applications to monitor and manage their customers’ electric vehicles using simple API requests.
The challenges of a fragmented EV charging landscape
Today’s EV charging landscape struggles with fragmentation. Large differences between the makes and models of electric vehicles as well as the types and operators of charging stations make it difficult to know a customer’s charging behavior and to help them efficiently manage and charge their EV.
A unified platform for EV charging services
Smartcar is the first platform that unifies access to electric vehicle data, allowing businesses to build and scale their EV charging services. Our APIs allow EV charging networks and other EV charging applications to collect user consent and integrate directly with a customer’s car, regardless of its make and model. Our technology is compatible with many popular electric vehicles including the Tesla Model 3, the Chevrolet Bolt, the Nissan LEAF, and the BMW i3.
No matter whether a car is currently plugged into an EV charger and which type of charger the customer is using (an AC charger, a DC fast charger, or a regular 120 volt outlet), Smartcar allows your web or mobile application to monitor and manage the vehicle anytime using simple API requests:
- 📍 Access the car’s location
- 🛣️️ Read its mileage
- 🔋 Retrieve its state of charge and remaining range
- 🔌 Know its charging status (i.e. whether it is charging and/or plugged in)
- ⚡ Remotely start and stop charging
Building smart and efficient EV charging solutions
Early partners like Recharge are already using our car APIs in their EV charging apps and services. Here are some of the ways in which our customers have been using the Smartcar platform:
- ⏳ Estimate charging times and monitor charging: Provide estimated charging times even before a vehicle is plugged into a charger. While the vehicle is charging, let customers monitor the charging progress on your app.
- 📆 Create smart charging schedules: Let customers set a flexible charging schedule. Automatically start and stop charging their vehicle when electricity prices are lowest.
- 🗺️ Enhance EV route and trip planning: Help customers plan trips based on their vehicle’s location, current range, and charging station locations along the way.
- 📈 Power rewards programs: Reward customers for charging within your EV charging network a certain number of times in relation to their monthly mileage. Incentivize them to charge at times when carbon offsets are largest.
- 🧮 Identify charging vehicles and predict charging patterns: Using a vehicle’s VIN, charging status, and location, know which one of your customer’s EVs is currently charging. Based on their charging habits as well as the vehicle’s location and range, predict where and when they will want to recharge.
- 🤝 Understand customer loyalty: Know when and where your customers charge out-of-network to determine where to place your next chargers.
To request a product demo or to learn more about our features and pricing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Smartcar team.
