Smartcar · Controlled Vocabulary
Smartcar Vocabulary
Core terminology and concepts for the Smartcar connected vehicle platform, encompassing vehicle connectivity, telemetry signals, permissions, commands, and multi-OEM integration patterns.
14 Terms
6 With Aliases
Updated 2026-05-02
Smartcar Vocabulary is a controlled vocabulary published by Smartcar on the APIs.io network, defining 14 terms.
Defined terms include Connection, Vehicle ID, Permission, Signal, and Batch Request.
6 terms carry alternate labels, so a consumer can resolve the synonyms Smartcar accepts to the canonical term.
A controlled vocabulary pins the words an API’s schemas, parameters and documentation use to one agreed definition each — the shared language a human or an agent needs to read the API the same way its authors do.
Terms
Connection
An authorized link between a user's vehicle and a Smartcar-powered application, established via OAuth 2.0. Each connection grants the application specific permissions to read data from or send commands to that vehicle.
Vehicle ID
A Smartcar-assigned unique identifier for a connected vehicle. Used in all API calls to identify which vehicle to query or command. Distinct from the VIN.
vehicleId
Permission
A discrete scope granted by a vehicle owner during OAuth authorization that allows an application to access a specific type of vehicle data (e.g., read_battery, read_location) or send a command (e.g., control_charge, control_security).
Signal
A real-time telemetry data point read from a vehicle such as battery level, odometer, location, fuel, or engine oil life. Each signal requires a corresponding read permission.
Telemetry
Batch Request
A single API call that bundles multiple data requests (e.g., battery + location + odometer) into one HTTP request and returns all responses together, reducing latency and API call overhead.
OEM
Original Equipment Manufacturer. In Smartcar context, an automotive manufacturer (e.g., Tesla, Ford, BMW, Honda) whose connected vehicle platform Smartcar integrates with. A single Smartcar integration provides access to multiple OEM vehicles.
Automaker
Charge State
The current EV charging progression, one of: CHARGING (actively charging), FULLY_CHARGED (at target level), or NOT_CHARGING (plugged in but not charging or unplugged).
Charge Limit
The maximum battery charge level (as a decimal from 0.5 to 1.0) that an EV will charge to. Set by the vehicle owner or via the Smartcar API using the control_charge permission.
DTC
Diagnostic Trouble Code. A standardized OBD-II code (e.g., P0300) indicating a fault detected by the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system. Smartcar surfaces active DTCs via the read_diagnostics permission.
Diagnostic Trouble CodeOBD-II Code
Access Token
A short-lived (2-hour) OAuth 2.0 bearer token used to authenticate API calls to the Smartcar Vehicle API. Obtained via the Authorization Code flow (user-authorized) or Client Credentials flow (server-to-server).
Refresh Token
A longer-lived token used to obtain a new access token without requiring user re-authorization. Smartcar refresh tokens are invalidated 10 minutes after use.
EV
Electric Vehicle. A vehicle powered entirely by electric motors with a battery pack. Smartcar provides EV-specific signals (battery, charge status, charge limit) and commands (start/stop charging, set charge limit).
Electric VehicleBEV
ICE
Internal Combustion Engine. A vehicle powered by a gasoline or diesel engine. Smartcar provides ICE-specific signals such as fuel tank level, engine oil life, and odometer.
Gas Vehicle
Compatibility
Whether a specific vehicle make, model, and year supports connection to Smartcar and which signals/commands are available. Check via the Compatibility API before attempting to connect a vehicle.