Report updated Mar 26, 2026
Pelican: Automotive assistant
vv4.0.2Car enthusiasts and tech-savvy drivers who want to modernize their vehicle's data capabilities, track maintenance, and maintain privacy while using CarPlay.
What Is Pelican: Automotive assistant?
Launched Sep 16, 2023
Updated Mar 2026
What users think iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
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Key Features
Customizable dashboard widgets for CarPlay including real-time vehicle data, weather, and speed limits.
Connects to OBD scanners to provide real-time vehicle data, diagnostic trouble codes, and historical statistics.
Automatically detects and logs trips with detailed economy and efficiency statistics.
Remote control and data integration for Tesla, Volvo, Porsche, Toyota, and Polestar vehicles.
Digitizes glovebox documents with on-device vision to extract VINs, dates, and barcodes.
Data is stored locally on-device or in personal encrypted iCloud databases with no tracking or data sales.
Recent User Sentiment iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
“Recent user voice shows a excited sentiment. Users appreciate obd/vehicle telemetry features and carplay integration & widgets, but report limited vehicle compatibility and navigation/search functionality.”
What Users Love
This app reports more OBD parameters than any other I have used.
Sidecar lets me see tire pressure, oil temp and engine coolant temp all while navigating.
Everything regular CarPlay lacks Sidecar provides.
The concept of CarPlay widgets that this app displays and uses is amazing.
Pain Points
My vehicle is not yet fully supported and there is no telling how long I’ll have to wait.
The app is useless without developer support.
Fixing the search bar on the maps section... most of the time it takes you somewhere else.
Unlike Google maps or Waze, this app does not show speed limits or the speed you’re driving.
High confidence · 22 reviews available
App Store Performance
| Chart | Rank | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Free | #52 | NEW |
| Grossing | #69 | ▼9 |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Strong, privacy-centric brand identity.
- Highly technical feature set (OBD-II, connected accounts).
- Excellent developer-to-user communication loop.
Cons
- Inconsistent vehicle compatibility.
- Navigation and search functionality lag behind established market leaders.
- Subscription-only model for advanced features.
Market Outlook
Growth Opportunities
- Aggressive expansion of vehicle support (beta programs).
- Improving map search accuracy.
- Partnering with OBD hardware manufacturers.
Market Threats
- Big Tech (Apple/Google) integrating similar telemetry natively.
- Established navigation giants adding OBD-II support.
- Regulatory or API changes disrupting core architecture.
Key Takeaways
Pelican: Automotive assistant is a exciting navigation app that is free with in-app purchases. With a 4.1/5 rating from 72 reviews, it excites its users from users. Users particularly appreciate obd/vehicle telemetry features, though limited vehicle compatibility remains a common concern.
Best for: Car enthusiasts and tech-savvy drivers who want to modernize their vehicle's data capabilities, track maintenance, and maintain privacy while using CarPlay.
App Details & Pricing
Model: freemium
Uses a hybrid model combining a recurring subscription for power users with a unique 'ScanPass' micro-transaction model for occasional OBD diagnostic needs.
iOS Version
v4.0.2
Android Version
1.25.96
Release Date
Sep 16, 2023
iOS Price
Free
Android Price
Free
Developer
Fearless design, LLC