June 2, 2026, 8:46 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Many electric car owners use not only the official manufacturer apps but also free software solutions. Applications like Home Assistant or evcc, which can be integrated into existing smart home systems, are particularly widespread. These allow users to access key vehicle data and manage charging processes. For example, battery status and charging processes can be monitored alongside other smart home functions, or charging can be controlled with self-generated solar power.
However, for several brands within the Volkswagen Group, such processes no longer function as usual. After changes to the technical interfaces, various third-party applications can no longer access important vehicle data. This affects information such as the charging status, mileage, or vehicle status.
Volkswagen Introduces New Interfaces
The trigger is a switch to a new generation of vehicle interfaces. The Volkswagen Group Info Services AG had already pointed this out on April 2, 2026. According to them, the previous brand app interface for external access will be shut down starting calendar week 21.
The changes do not only affect Volkswagen brand vehicles. Other group brands such as Audi, Cupra, Škoda, and Bentley may also be affected. For applications related to charging, Volkswagen refers to the new offerings “Charging Data” and “Charging Control.” These will provide information such as charging status, mileage, timestamp, access status, and vehicle status.
Free Applications Lose Important Functions
The switch has direct consequences for users of free software solutions. In the communities of the Home Assistant integration volkswagencarnet and evcc, users report interrupted or blocked access to their vehicles.
As a result, data that was often used for charging planning is missing. Smart home displays or automated charging processes with solar power may also be restricted. Functions that rely on current information about the vehicle status or charging status are particularly affected.
Role of the EU Data Act Remains Unclear
The impact of the changes concerning the EU Data Act is currently unclear. Regulation (EU) 2023/2854 came into force on January 11, 2024. Most regulations have been in effect since September 12, 2025.
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The aim of the regulation is to facilitate access to data from connected products. This generally includes information generated by vehicles during their operation. Whether Volkswagen’s new interface strategy complies with these requirements cannot be conclusively assessed based on the information currently available. Key factors include which data is available through the new official interfaces, who can access it, and under what conditions.
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Some Users Find Alternative Ways
In the meantime, some users have apparently found ways to access certain vehicle data again. The login process has been adapted to the new VW service procedures. As a result, some vehicles are providing data again.
In a GitHub thread, a user reports successful access with an Audi electric car. Another user mentions a VW ID.3. According to these reports, both retrieving charging data and authentication worked through the adapted login method.
Permanent Solution Still Pending
However, the problem is not considered solved. This approach still does not work for other vehicles. In a GitHub thread, users also point out that the electricity provider Tibber is said to have integrated parts of the new VW interface.
Accordingly, some vehicles can already retrieve individual data in real time again. Whether these options will remain permanently, work for all models, or be available for free is currently uncertain.