Škoda Launches Official API
Great news for Škoda drivers: Škoda is launching an official consumer API. Access works with a token that you create in the MyŠkoda app. We already support the new API.
Built With the Community
Section titled “Built With the Community”Škoda responded to the feedback of its customers, reached out to us and asked what open source projects actually need. It was important to us that this doesn’t become an evcc-exclusive solution. So we broadened the circle and brought in the developers of the MyŠkoda integration for Home Assistant and the Python library skodaconnect as well as the Open Home Foundation.
During the preparation of the API, Škoda repeatedly adjusted details based on our feedback. Working this directly with a vehicle manufacturer is a new and very positive experience for us.
How It Works
Section titled “How It Works”- You create an access token directly in the MyŠkoda app (version 8.16, expected at the beginning of September).
- Token plus vehicle identification number (VIN) gives you access to the new REST API.
- The API is free to use. No developer account, no business entity, no NDA, no credit card.
- The API documentation is public.
It covers a subset of the data and functions of the previous unofficial app API. Everything we need for charging control is available: state of charge, range, charging status, charging power and charge limit, as well as starting and stopping the charging process. On top of that there are further data and functions like odometer, parking position and air conditioning. Which of these are available depends on your vehicle and the connected services you have booked.
Availability
Section titled “Availability”Support for the new API will be included in tomorrow’s nightly build. A stable release is planned in time for the MyŠkoda 8.16 app update. Once the app update is available, you can create a token and re-add your vehicle in evcc using the updated integration.
Škoda plans to limit access to the old, unofficial app API in the coming weeks. So it’s worth switching to the new API soon.
A Template for Other Manufacturers
Section titled “A Template for Other Manufacturers”Access to vehicle data has been a bumpy ride so far. Tesla, Volvo and Ford offer official APIs, but require registration through a developer portal. For BMW and Mini, access runs through the CarData portal, with several configuration steps. With Škoda, a token from the app is enough. This is the simplest approach we have seen so far, and we hope others follow.
We are also in talks with other manufacturers, including the VW brand for about a year now, so far without a concrete result. We hope this launch gives those talks new momentum. Manufacturers interested in working together can reach us at info@evcc.io.
This launch shows that community feedback can have real impact. If you drive a different brand: ask your manufacturer for API access to your data. Easy access to vehicle data, without reliance on commercial third-party services, is essential for the energy transition and a decentralised energy system.
Best regards
The evcc Team
Michael, Andi & Uli