OVMS3: The Open-source Vehicle Monitoring System!
Table of Content
So, I came across this pretty wild open-source project called OVMS3 , short for Open Vehicle Monitoring System Version 3 . At first glance, it looks like a bunch of code on GitHub, but dig a little deeper and you realize it’s basically a full-on car tracking, monitoring, and control system that works with a ton of electric vehicles.
The idea behind OVMS3 is pretty cool: build an open-source module that plugs into your car’s OBD2 port and lets you monitor things like battery levels, temperatures, tire pressure, and even error codes, all from your phone or computer.
It also sends alerts if something goes wrong, like if the charging stops unexpectedly or if someone tries to steal your ride.
What makes this even better? It doesn’t just work with one type of car. The list of supported vehicles is huge. We’re talking everything from Tesla Model S to Nissan Leaf , BMW i3 , Hyundai Ioniq 5 , Kia Soul EV , Smart EQ , Chevrolet Bolt , and even some e-bikes like NIU MQi GT and Energica motorbikes . If your car isn’t fully supported yet, there’s still a general OBD-II mode that can pull basic data from most modern vehicles.
At the heart of the system is this custom hardware module (based on ESP32) that connects via cellular (2G/3G/4G), GPS, and Wi-Fi. You can access vehicle data through a web interface, native Android/iOS apps, or even integrate it into home automation systems using MQTT.
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There's also support for logging data to SD cards and remote servers.
For developers and tinkerers, this thing is gold. It comes with built-in tools for working with CAN bus data, including DBC decoding, OBD2 translation, reverse engineering tools, and even a CANopen client.
You can SSH into the module, stream live CAN frames over TCP, and extend functionality with plugins.
And because it’s open-source, anyone can contribute, modify, or build upon the platform. That means no vendor lock-in, no proprietary headaches, just pure freedom to tweak and customize however you want.
However, as the software is free and open-source, you can still get and buy OVMS vehicle modules the extension hardware from the website easily in Europe, and USA!
Hazem Abbas
Features
1- Live Vehicle Monitoring
Keep an eye on your car’s vitals from anywhere: battery charge level, temperatures, tire pressure, charging status, and even error codes, all updated in real time.
2- Smart Alerts to Your Phone
Get push notifications if something goes wrong, like if charging stops unexpectedly, there's a battery issue, or someone tries to move your car without permission.
3- Remote Control Features
Depending on your car model, you can start/stop charging, preheat the cabin, adjust climate settings, and even tweak performance parameters, all from your phone.
4- Works with Android & iOS
Native apps available for both platforms, so no matter what phone you use, you can stay connected to your car.
5- Built-in Web Dashboard
Access your car’s data through any browser, perfect for checking stats while at home or on the go.
6- Data Logging & Export
Logs everything from battery health to CAN bus messages, with options to save and analyze data locally or upload it to a server.
7- Deep Developer Tools
For the tinkerers out there: SSH access, WebSocket streaming, DBC decoding, OBD2 translation, CAN frame injection, and support for MQTT home automation integration.
8- Customizable Hardware Module
The OVMS3 module plugs into your car’s OBD2 port and comes with cellular (2G/3G/4G), GPS, and Wi-Fi connectivity. It’s also expandable with extra CAN buses and GPIO pins.
7- Supports a Ton of Vehicles
Tesla Model S / Roadster, Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia Soul EV, Chevrolet Bolt, Smart EQ, Renault Zoe, Mini Cooper SE, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Toyota RAV4 EV, VW e-Up, and more — even some e-bikes!
8- Fully Open Source
No lock-in, no hidden fees, no proprietary nonsense. You own your data, and you can modify or extend the system however you want under the MIT license.
Supported Devices
Here’s a quick list of what’s officially supported:
- Tesla Model S / Roadster
- Nissan Leaf / e-NV200
- BMW i3 / i3s
- Hyundai Ioniq FL / Kona / Ioniq 5
- Kia Soul EV / e-Niro
- Chevrolet Volt / Opel Ampera
- Chevrolet Bolt / Opel Ampera-e
- Smart ED/EQ Gen3 & Gen4
- Renault Zoe / Kangoo
- Fiat 500e
- Toyota RAV4 EV
- VW e-Up / Seat Mii / Skoda Citigo
- Mitsubishi i-MiEV
- Jaguar I-Pace
- BYD Atto 3
- Energica EVA / ASG
- Maxus eDeliver 3 / Euniq 5
- MG EV
- Mini Cooper SE
And more are being added all the time thanks to the active community.
License & What It Means
OVMS3 is released under the MIT license , which basically means it’s free to use, modify, and distribute, even commercially. The only catch is that you have to include the original copyright notice if you share or repurpose the code.
This is huge for open-source development because it gives hobbyists, engineers, and companies alike the freedom to build on top of the platform without legal roadblocks. Whether you're just messing around in your garage or building a commercial fleet management solution, OVMS3 gives you the tools to do it.
So yeah, if you're into electric cars, DIY hardware, or just love tinkering with open-source projects, check out OVMS3. It’s not just a tool, it’s a whole ecosystem built by people who really care about taking control of their vehicle data.
Resources & Downloads
openvehicles
