Tesla has officially released API documentation that supports third-party applications, and developers hope this is the first step in creating a healthy application ecosystem.
Starting from next year, all third-party applications should pass through the new Fleet API. The FleetAPI adopts the RESTful API interface specification, which will provide access to Tesla vehicles and energy devices, and partners can interact with their own devices or devices granted access to customers.
As early as 2016, CEO Elon Musk stated that they plan to shift to an application mirror that connects mobile phones and the center console, which is the car system. Currently, well-known car player systems include Apple's CarPlay, Google's Android Auto, and others.
However, Tesla currently does not support Apple's CarPlay or Google's Android Auto. Some third-party applications that can run in Tesla mainly rely on unofficial APIs, commonly known as "gray zones".
Tesla has been operating an unofficial API for several years. It supports some very basic third-party applications, but it is mainly used for mobile and browser based applications and is not a complete API document.
Earlier this year, it was rumored that Tesla plans to prepare a third-party app store to change the current state of information and entertainment systems.
Tesla's release of official API documentation for developers to create applications marks an important step towards creating a third-party application community. For users, opening up more applications is indeed a good thing.
It is worth mentioning that this move may be related to Tesla's recent collaboration with Hertz to release new in car fleet management and leasing software.
Hertz operates a large Tesla rental fleet internally, and it may have to be officially accessed through the project's API.
In addition, this automaker has been continuously discussing the release of a software development kit (SDK), hoping to create a complete third-party application ecosystem within its cars, combining massive touch screens and networking capabilities.