Getting started with OpenXC

OpenXC is an API to your car.

Don’t have a car or don’t drive a Ford? No problem. Using the OpenXC platform, you don’t need a Ford or a car to write and test your app. With just a computer and a network connection, you can access the required OpenXC data and start making vehicle-aware applications that have better interfaces based on context; can minimize distraction while driving; are integrated with other connected services; and can offer drivers more insight into how their cars run.

Today’s version of OpenXC uses tools you already know while opening up thousands of possibilities for innovation. Plug into the OpenXC vehicle interface and you can read vehicle data real-time — like the steering wheel angle, GPS position, and vehicle speed. Currently, OpenXC supports over a dozen different measurements on a growing list of Ford vehicles.

Ready to get started? Review the OpenXC site to get access to OpenXC-formatted vehicle data, important documentation, and OpenXC FAQs.

Resources for Native Android Apps

For Android app development, make sure you check out the Android Library Setup and App Tutorial pages on the OpenXC site.

Please note that if you want to use OpenXC to interact directly with a Ford vehicle, you’ll need to download the closed source CAN translator firmware directly from Ford and sign a developer agreement.

Resources for Web Apps

If you choose to create a Web app, you can use replayed trace data from previously recorded drives. You can find several driving datasets on the OpenXC site.

You’ll also want to check out:

Projects using OpenXC

Want to see what others are doing with OpenXC? Check out these projects and see what the public is saying about the fuel-efficiency apps they want to use.

Nondistracting In-Vehicle Interfaces

To be eligible all submitted apps must conform to In-Vehicle Approval Criteria from Ford for safe and nondistracting in-vehicle interfaces, if the intent is to use the app while driving. For more information, see the national generally accepted principles for in-vehicle interfaces.

More Questions?

If you have questions about the OpenXC, join the OpenXC Google Group to ask any questions about the platform in general, or about specific applications you're developing. For questions about the Ford Personalized Fuel-Efficiency App Challenge, email Support@ChallengePost.com.