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A vehicle GPS tracker is a device wired into a vehicle’s electrical system that reports location, speed, and status to a fleet management platform via cellular. It is always on, always connected – unlike a portable asset tracker that wakes up periodically. When a driver turns the ignition on, the platform logs the trip start.
Hardwired trackers are the standard for commercial vehicle fleets. Installation involves connecting to the ignition circuit (for ignition-on/off detection) and a constant 12V supply (for tow alarm and backup power).
- Ignition detection – distinguishes between a moving vehicle and one being towed without authorisation
- Covert installation – compact units fit behind dashboards or inside door panels for theft recovery use cases
- Wide voltage input – typically 9-90V to support vehicles from motorcycles to HGVs on the same hardware
- BLE gateway – many trackers also act as BLE hubs, pairing with driver ID fobs and cargo temperature sensors