Tesla Forges a Pathway for the EV Industry’s Partner API Ecosystem

Tesla’s recent introduction of API pricing represents a watershed moment in the evolution of the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. Previously, Tesla provided free access to user data through its open API, enabling a wave of innovation. In late 2023, Tesla took a step to formalize B2B access with the introduction of the Fleet API, and now it’s further formalizing access with standardized pricing.

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Let’s explore what this shift means for drivers, utilities, software companies, and the future of the EV ecosystem.

Delighting Drivers with a Better-Engineered Telematics Experience

The Tesla Fleet API promises a better experience for drivers, thanks to the introduction of streaming. Streaming enables software services like ev.energy to receive real-time updates from vehicles — such as when they plug in their EV or when a demand response event occurs. 

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From an engineering perspective, streaming is a game-changer. Instead of multiple vendors polling for the same data, vehicle updates are broadcast once, significantly improving efficiency. 

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ev.energy adopted streaming as soon as it became available last year, recognizing the step-change it can deliver to our driver experience. With their new pricing, Tesla now incentivizes steaming, so more drivers can benefit from this enhanced experience.

Leading industry players investing in the forefront of new technologies will be at an advantage.. At ev.energy, we welcome this change and are proud to deliver the latest technology for our customers, ensuring drivers reap the benefits of innovation.

Creating A Well-Supported Industry, with Service Levels

While Tesla’s Fleet API pricing helps streamline B2B support, it’s worth noting there is currently no Service Level Agreement (SLA) from Tesla—or any other car OEM or charger partner—for device access. However, ev.energy fills this gap by offering a platform SLA and investing heavily in 24/7 customer support. Every driver who connects their vehicle to ev.energy has access to real, human assistance around the clock, ensuring a reliable and user-focused experience.

Empowering Drivers with Control Over Their Data

Many car OEMs provide telematics in their vehicles as standard. A common misconception is that the car OEM owns this personal information. That’s not the case: the driver always owns their data – but they rely on the car manufacturer to facilitate reliable access to it. The Tesla Fleet API has formalized the ability for drivers to share important vehicle data – like state of charge or regulating charging rates  –  with their consent. 

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Companies like ev.energy play a crucial role in automating data access, enabling managed charging and, in the future, vehicle-to-grid. These features are foundational to Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) and critical to energy companies looking to optimize grid loads.

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New regulations, such as the EU Data Act, further reinforce the principle that drivers should always have control over their data. We anticipate other car OEMs to follow with services similar to Tesla's.

Building a Collaborative and Equitable Ecosystem

Tesla’s move to introduce API pricing establishes a framework for collaboration between car OEMs, software providers, energy companies, and drivers. This necessary step aligns costs across the ecosystem and funnels value back to users and key stakeholders. 

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Fundamentally, the change shows Tesla acknowledging the need for partnership and formalizing its intent to be a long-term industry partner. 

Delivering Actionable Data for Utility Programs at the Lowest Possible Cost

Utilities are increasingly looking to harness the potential of EVs to lower costs, support the integration of renewables, and maintain grid stability. Near real-time access to vehicle data, such as that provided by Tesla’s Fleet API, is critical to design programs that can effectively drive targeted customer behaviors - whether that is shifting demand to off-peak hours, soaking up excess renewables, or pausing charging to respond to local grid congestion. By integrating streaming with Tesla’s Fleet API, we are able to collect all of the data necessary for managed charging programs while reducing, and avoiding the cost of, unnecessary data calls on customers’ vehicles. 

A Call for Industry-Wide Collaboration

Tesla’s leadership highlights the need for broader industry collaboration. Car OEMs, technology providers, utilities, policymakers, and regulators must work together to unlock the full potential of managed charging, V2X capabilities, and demand flexibility. By doing so, we can safeguard equitable access, drive innovation, and share the value unlocked by these advancements. 

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Nick Woolley, CEO of ev.energy noted, “The Tesla Fleet API changes are a positive signal that our industry is maturing. Our role is to give consumers access to their data and help them leverage it to benefit themselves, the grid, and the planet. As the industry grows, we will continue to work with all car, charger, and energy partners to share in the value created through virtual power plants and decarbonize  energy and transport together.”

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Tesla has yet to issue a public statement regarding the rationale behind the new API pricing.