Thanks to the digital transformation of the automobile sector, cars have evolved into mobile computers. According to McKinsey, the automotive software and associated electronic components market will expand overall by 7% CAGR between 2020 and 2030. The demand for APIs in the automobile industry is rising as software usage increases.
Even though APIs are quite prevalent, many people still don’t understand better what automotive API is and its user case in the automotive industry. So, without wasting more time, let’s get started!
What is an Automotive API?
An Automatic API [application programming interface] is software that allows vehicle apps to interact with other apps or software platforms. These APIs may include vehicle identifying numbers (VINs), details about the production process, technical features, costs, and any additional data.
Exchanges of various API-based data sets are becoming critical for digital mobility services. Service providers can get data about a vehicle’s location, mileage, fuel consumption, and other indicators using automotive data APIs without the help of a human. This results in a smoother customer experience and lower operating costs. Certain APIs can also help with equipment serial number search.
Uses of Automotive API in the automotive industry
Here are the most common use cases of automotive API
- Integration of mobile and automotive applications
Integrating mobile apps on a driver’s smartphone with their car’s HMI [Human Machine Interface] is one of the creative ways that the automotive industry uses APIs. The driver can manage a number of automotive functions through smartphone apps, including:
- Remotely starting and unlocking your car
- You can make calls, return missed calls, and listen to voicemail using a voice remote.
- View applications like Calendar, Apple Music, Gmail, and others on a car’s infotainment system.
- Add other apps from the driver’s phone, such as banking apps and WhatsApp.
- Recognizing license plates and vehicle identification numbers (VIN)
For identifying license plates and VINs, different APIs are utilized. These APIs allow users to convert a straightforward image into characters representing a car’s license plate, barcode, or VIN. These services can minimize human mistakes in situations like buying used cars, checking a vehicle’s warranty, identifying auto thefts, etc.
- Report on Vehicle Data History
Third-party developers are creating an increasing number of APIs for the automotive industry. Some of these give the user access to an automobile’s whole history. These API use cases are extremely helpful for dealerships and customers wishing to purchase reliable vehicles.
There are plenty of API tools that can help with this. By entering a vehicle’s VIN, you may look up all its histories. The following data is available via most APIs for automobile:
- The number of previous owners
- Type of Ownership
- The period of ownership
- Traffic accidents [if any]
- Rollback of mileage
- Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
Specific APIs are used to determine whether a vehicle requires repair or maintenance. These APIs can be utilized by auto dealers, individuals, repair facilities, etc.
Such an automotive API includes information on Original Equipment Manufacturer [OEM ] as well as non-OEM maintenance and repairs for automobiles sold in the US from 1996. This API provides the following:
- Due mileage
- The cost of the repair
- Part required for the repair
- Determining whether or not it is OEM
- Estimation of the time required for repairs
- Vehicle Information
You can obtain comprehensive details about the specifications of a vehicle using particular APIs. The user can access the following by entering their registration or license plate number:
- Make/Model
- Type of engine
- Body form
- Trim
- Optional interior and exterior equipment.
- Vehicle insurance
The insurance sector already makes extensive use of APIs. APIs are used in the auto insurance sector to boost sales, raise service levels, and broaden the range of services available. The use of APIs for business vehicle insurance companies includes, but is not limited to:
- uBy integrating vehicles and APIs, the underwriting procedure can be improved. Information like the average speed, miles traveled, and the number of full brakes each mile can be extracted.
- By keeping carriers and cars in touch, firms may cut operating costs.
- Integrating APIs may enhance automation and the user experience for auto insurance businesses’ clients.
