Vehicle commands

Remotely control vehicles with Smartcar’s API

Mit Smartcar Connect können Ihre Kunden ihre Autos sofort mit Ihrer App verknüpfen.

Commands available with Smartcar include "Set PIN to drive", "Lock and unlock", and "Open and Close trunk"

What are vehicle commands?

Vehicle commands are remote actions you can perform on a car through software — like unlocking doors, starting a charge, or sending a destination to the vehicle’s navigation system. With Smartcar’s API, you can access these capabilities through a single integration that works across dozens of automaker brands.
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Whether you’re building a fleet platform, a delivery app, or a consumer EV experience, Smartcar makes it easy to interact with vehicles in real time — securely and at scale.

Start and stop charge

Let drivers remotely begin or end EV charging sessions — ideal for energy management, fleet apps, or driver convenience.

Lock and unlock

Secure or access vehicles from any location, enabling features like remote valet, contactless rentals, or user-initiated safety checks.

Control navigation

Send destinations to the vehicle’s onboard navigation system — perfect for fleet routing, rideshare coordination, or mobile booking apps.

Control pin

Set or reset the driver’s PIN for added vehicle security and custom access control.

Manage climate settings

Let users precondition the cabin before departure — warming in winter, cooling in summer — improving comfort and battery efficiency.

Control trunk

Open or close the vehicle’s trunk remotely — great for delivery, curbside pickup, or autonomous operations.

How you use commands

Screenshot of the Smartcar Connect OEM login screen, where users can allow your application access to their vehicle data.

How you use commands

1

You choose the commands you need

Select from a broad range of commands the ones you need to power your application.

2

Users grant your app access to their vehicle

Share your Smartcar Connect URL with your users and they sign in securely with their connected services account.

3

Send commands to the vehicle

Send command requests to the vehicle directly through the Smartcar API.

Commands for a variety of use cases

Car sharing

Lock and unlock

Simplify vehicle handoffs, returns, and management for rental and car share fleets. Enable renters to unlock, start, or find vehicles without needing physical keys.

Smartcar for car sharing

Auto care

Send destination

Send service center addresses, mobile technician routes, or roadside assistance locations directly to a customer’s in-vehicle navigation system.

Smartcar for auto care

Energy management

Start or stop charge

Smartcar’s EV commands let energy platforms remotely start or stop charging based on grid conditions or pricing models. Support demand response programs, optimize renewable usage, and provide customers with smarter home charging

Smartcar for energy

Compatibility made simple

Not every command is available on every vehicle — that’s why we offer a detailed compatibility matrix. Check brand and model support at a glance, filter by country, make, engine type, and more.

Secure by design

Every command is only shared with user consent, through the Smartcar Connect flow. You’re in control of what you request, and your customers are always informed.