Explorer Decode by VIN

Decode a VIN and return the vehicle payload plus minimal battery attributes. The response includes the most specific battery match available.

GET /api/v1/explorer/vehicle/by-vin

Use this endpoint when you want a single request that combines vehicle decode output with ARC Explorer battery attributes and returns a concise pack answer.

Authentication

Include X-API-Key on every request. Explorer usage is billed separately from VIN decode usage.

Idempotency

Include an Idempotency-Key with every request. Use a unique value for each logical request, and reuse the same value only when retrying that exact request. Use a new key when any input changes.

What to expect for response time

Explorer by VIN adds battery enrichment on top of decode. Active lookups typically return in 250–550ms—about 400ms on average. The first request after idle may take longer while the pipeline warms up.

Rate-limit headers

Successful Explorer responses include X-RateLimit-Limit, X-RateLimit-Remaining, and X-RateLimit-Reset.

Built for decisive workflows

The endpoint returns concise battery results so pricing, compliance, and logistics workflows can start with confidence instead of manual triage.

Query Parameters

Field	Type	Description
vin	string	Required. The 17-character VIN to validate, decode, and enrich with Explorer battery data.

Example Variants

When one battery matches the decoded vehicle, the batteries array contains that pack.

Example Request

cURL

curl "https://api.autoresourceco.com/api/v1/explorer/vehicle/by-vin?vin=KMHC65LD4JU000001" \
  -H "X-API-Key: your_api_key_here" \
  -H "Idempotency-Key: explorer-vin-example-001"

Response Example

JSON

{
  "query": {
    "mode": "vin",
    "vin": "kmhc65ld4ju000001"
  },
  "vehicle": {
    "VIN": "kmhc65ld4ju000001",
    "Year": 2018,
    "Make": "HYUNDAI",
    "Model": "Ioniq",
    "Trim": "Plug-in-Hybrid (PHEV)",
    "ElectrificationLevel": "PHEV",
    "decode_status": "decoded",
    "decode_warnings": [],
    "suggested_vin": null,
    "possible_values": null,
    "technical_details": {
      "body_class": "Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback",
      "vehicle_type": "PASSENGER CAR",
      "drive_type": null,
      "fuel_type_primary": "Electric",
      "fuel_type_secondary": "Gasoline",
      "series": null,
      "ev_drive_unit": null,
      "battery_type": "Lithium-Ion/Li-Ion",
      "battery_energy_kwh_from": null,
      "battery_energy_kwh_to": null,
      "battery_voltage_from": "360",
      "battery_voltage_to": null,
      "battery_modules_per_pack": null,
      "battery_cells_per_module": null,
      "charger_level": null,
      "charger_power_kw": "45",
      "wheel_base_inches": "106.30",
      "curb_weight_lbs": null,
      "gvwr": "Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)",
      "track_width_inches": null,
      "engine_configuration": null,
      "engine_cylinders": "4",
      "displacement_l": "1.6",
      "transmission_style": null,
      "air_bag_locations": null,
      "plant_city": "ULSAN",
      "plant_country": "SOUTH KOREA",
      "plant_company_name": null
    }
  },
  "batteries": [
    {
      "cathode_chemistry": "NMC",
      "chemistry_group": "Lithium-Ion",
      "dot_hazard_class": "Hazardous",
      "energy_kwh": 8.9,
      "weight_lbs": 258
    }
  ],
  "result_count": 1
}

Response Fields

Field	Type	Description
query	object	Normalized request context, including mode: vin and the validated VIN.
vehicle	object	Decoded vehicle payload in the same core shape as GET /api/v1/vin/decode.
batteries	object[]	Minimal battery objects with cathode_chemistry, chemistry_group, dot_hazard_class, energy_kwh, and weight_lbs.
batteries[].weight_lbs	number \| null	Complete battery pack weight in pounds. Null when ARC does not have a usable canonical pack weight.
result_count	integer	Number of battery records returned in batteries.

VIN Error Codes

Failed VINs use the same required four-digit codes in single-response detail.code and batch errors[].code. Use the code for program logic and the message for people.

Code	Condition	Public Message	Response Behavior
1001	VIN is shorter than 17 characters	VIN must be exactly 17 characters (received {length})	Rejected before decode; returned in detail.code or errors[].code.
1004	VIN checksum mismatch	VIN check digit (position 9) is invalid	Rejected before decode; returned in detail.code or errors[].code.
1006	VIN contains unsupported characters	VIN contains invalid characters (must be A-H, J-N, P, R-Z, 0-9; excludes I, O, Q)	Rejected before decode; returned in detail.code or errors[].code.
1020	VIN is missing or blank	VIN is required	Rejected before decode.
1021	VIN is longer than 17 characters	VIN must be exactly 17 characters (received {length})	Rejected before decode.
1022	VIN contains whitespace	VIN cannot contain whitespace	Rejected before decode.
1023	VIN contains a URL	VIN cannot contain URLs	Rejected before decode.
1024	VIN contains a percent character	VIN cannot contain "%" characters	Rejected before decode.
1092	VIN decode failed	The VIN could not be decoded.	No successful vehicle result was produced.
1093	Vehicle data unavailable for the VIN	No vehicle data was returned for this VIN.	No successful vehicle result was produced.
1094	Vehicle decoding service could not complete the VIN	The vehicle decoding service could not complete this VIN.	No successful vehicle result was produced.
1095	Vehicle data response could not be processed	The vehicle data response could not be processed.	No successful vehicle result was produced.
1096	Decoded vehicle is missing model year, make, or model	Decoded vehicle is missing a valid model year	Explorer by-VIN only: the VIN decoded, but battery fitment could not be resolved. Returned with HTTP 422. The message names the missing field (model year, or make or model), and decode_warnings and suggested_vin carry any VIN checks that explain the gap.

Related Docs

Authentication Errors and Limits