Telematics Hardware 101: What to Look For & Why It Matters
- Khadija
- Nov 5
- 2 min read

Building a reliable telematics solution begins with solid hardware. When you’re sourcing units for diagnostics, fleet monitoring or OEM integrations, knowing the key specifications and vendor capabilities makes all the difference. Here’s a technical primer on what to look for — with insight into how CHEPQ addresses these needs.
Key Hardware Considerations
OBD2 Protocol Coverage & CompatibilityAutomotive diagnostics are only as good as the protocols and vehicles supported. Make sure your unit supports major standards (e.g., ISO 9141, CAN, etc.), and various vehicle models.
Sensor & TPMS IntegrationIf you’re monitoring tire‑pressure, vehicle sensors or battery systems, your hardware must support those inputs, interface cleanly, and report accurately.
Electrical & Battery Tester AccuracyDiagnostics around battery health or electrical systems demand precise measurement. Poor hardware leads to false‑alarms or missed faults.
Customisation & White‑Labelling CapabilityAre you launching under your own brand? Then the vendor must offer firmware variation, housing custom‑design, printing & branding options. CHEPQ explicitly lists OEM/ODM + white‑label solutions.
Quality Assurance & Manufacturing ScaleHardware that fails in the field erodes trust. Look for vendors who emphasize production QA, testing, and supply‑chain robustness. CHEPQ mentions “strict quality checks” and “large number of OBD2 international certifications”.
Global Logistics & After‑Sales SupportWorldwide deployment requires shipping, customs, spare‑parts, local support. A vendor with global perspective (like CHEPQ based in Shenzhen but oriented globally) helps.
Integrating Telemetry Into Your Stack
Data Acquisition: The OBD2 unit extracts raw data—engine codes, voltage, sensor inputs.
Data Transmission: How does that data reach your backend? Via cellular modem, Bluetooth, WiFi?
Data Processing: Does your vendor supply firmware/SDK, or do you build your analytics engine?
Actionable Output: Maintenance alerts, usage reports, driver‑behaviour dashboards.
Expansion: The ability to add modules—battery tester, TPMS sensor kit, accessory cables—is valuable.
CHEPQ supports “Cables & Accessories” (durable adapters and cables) to ensure seamless connectivity.
Case Study: OEM/ODM Hardware Launch
Suppose you’re a mobility‑startup that wants to launch a branded telematics device. Here’s how you would proceed with a partner like CHEPQ:
Define: You sketch your requirement: 4G connectivity, supporting 2025 EVs, integrated battery health monitoring.
Quotation: The vendor (CHEPQ) supplies a proposal with firmware, hardware specs, timeline.
Prototype: You test a working sample in vehicles, iterating until you’re satisfied.
Production: Once approved, units are manufactured at scale under CHEPQ’s process.
Quality: Each unit passes final QA, then is packaged and shipped globally.
This path helps non‑hardware companies launch a device quickly, without building full in‑house manufacturing.
Final Thoughts
When you aggregate hardware, connectivity, data analytics and integration into your mobility stack, the difference between a mediocre and a best‑in‑class solution often comes down to hardware quality and vendor capability. By selecting a partner that covers diagnostics, sensors, production and global logistics (like CHEPQ), you accelerate your time to market and reduce risk.


