There has been an uproar over the past week from the nerdier side of the internet, but the question of access to data is one that affects everyone. Essentially, it seems Volkswagen Group has quietly disabled the CarNet API (Application Programming Interface) for its We Connect service that allows users to control and read the data from its vehicles through independent software. What exactly does this mean? Essentially, users were able to have granular control over their data and actions, like when and how their cars were charged at home, compared to the basic features in the Volkswagen app. Now, that's all suddenly shut down. Subscription Vs. Private Control The biggest use cases were through the popular open-source home automation software, Home Assistant, and the open-source EV charging and energy management system openWB. But on May 27, 2026, it appears every third-party client using the Volkswagen Group cloud service began failing to connect, while the official Volkswagen brand's smartphone apps continued to authenticate normally. Through the Volkswagen Group's branded apps, including Audi, Škoda, and Cupra, owners can access some useful controls with a paid subscription, but independent developers have created far more useful features in their software. Through the API Volkswagen has left open for a few years, owners could dig in a little deeper and control things like making sure their electric car would charge only on rooftop solar surplus energy or when electricity prices are at their lowest, get notifications when charging starts, finishes, or fails, and even re-heat or cool the cabin using weather, calendar or location triggers. For fans of full-home automation, they could even use their car's proximity to home to set off automations and control functions with voice commands. It's not something everyone used, but those who used it... really used it. The Reply