Stahlcar Vehicle Tracking Range
4G GPS Tracking Built into a Dual USB Vehicle Charger
The Stahlcar C036 combines a 4G GPS vehicle tracker with USB-A and USB-C charging ports in a unit that plugs into a compatible vehicle accessory socket. It provides live location, route history, mileage reports and configurable alerts while looking like an ordinary in-car charger.
No permanent wiring or OBD2 socket is required. This makes it suitable for vehicles where the diagnostic socket is awkward, occupied or too exposed for a plug-in tracker.
4G GPSLive Location
Accessory SocketPlug-In Setup
USB-A + USB-CDual Charging Ports
180 DaysRoute History
8–50VListed Input Range
12 MonthsPlatform Access Included
The C036 uses GPS satellites to determine location and the mobile network to send that information to the tracking platform. A working data SIM, mobile coverage and a usable GPS signal are required for normal remote tracking.
The tracker is powered through the accessory socket and contains an internal backup battery for limited reporting if external power is removed.
Best Suited For
The C036 suits personal cars, work vehicles and small fleets where quick plug-in installation and a less obvious appearance are wanted. It is useful when the vehicle has a powered accessory socket in a suitable location and the USB charging ports will be used regularly.
Live Location and Map View
The app and web platform show the most recently reported position on a map. When the vehicle is moving and network coverage is available, the tracker sends frequent updates so its journey can be followed.
If the tracker loses mobile coverage, the platform may continue showing the last known position until communication is restored. A map marker should always be read together with its reported time.
Route History and Mileage Reports
The platform stores up to 180 days of movement history. Previous trips can be replayed to review routes, stops and journey times.
Daily, weekly and monthly mileage reports can assist with vehicle-use records, service scheduling and fleet administration.
GPS mileage is calculated from reported movement and should not be treated as a certified substitute for the vehicle odometer, road-user charge records or formal tax records without independent verification.
Alert Functions
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Geo-Fence Alert: Warns when the vehicle enters or leaves a selected map area.
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Speed Alert: Notifies the account when reported GPS speed exceeds the selected threshold.
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Power or Unplug Alert: Reports when the unit is removed from the socket or loses external power.
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Movement and Trip Notifications: The platform may report journey starts, stops and movement events.
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Backup-Battery Reporting: Allows limited operation after the vehicle socket is switched off or the tracker is removed.
Alerts Depend on Connectivity
Notifications depend on GPS reception, mobile coverage, platform operation, phone internet access and notification permissions. Delays can occur, and the tracker is not a guaranteed emergency or theft-recovery service.
USB-A and USB-C Charging
The front USB-A and USB-C ports allow compatible phones and accessories to be charged while the tracker remains installed. This helps the unit look and function like a normal vehicle charger.
Charging speed depends on the connected device, cable, vehicle supply and the output supported by the charger. Do not assume a particular fast-charging standard or wattage unless it is confirmed for the exact device version.
The USB ports and GPS tracker share the same accessory-socket power source. If the vehicle switches that socket off with the ignition, phone charging and normal external tracker power will stop together.
Accessory-Socket Power
Some vehicles keep the accessory socket powered continuously. Others turn it off immediately with the ignition or after a short delay.
A permanently powered socket allows normal parked tracking but draws a small amount of current from the vehicle battery. A switched socket avoids long-term drain but limits parked tracking once the internal backup battery is depleted.
Check the Socket Before Purchase
Turn the ignition off and check whether another charger remains powered. If the socket switches off and continuous parked tracking is essential, the hardwired MT1 is the better option.
SIM Card Requirements
A compatible 4G SIM card with mobile data is required and is not included. The SIM must be activated and able to use data on a supported New Zealand network.
Disable the SIM PIN before installation. The correct APN may need to be entered during setup if the tracker does not connect automatically.
The tracker normally uses a small amount of data because it sends location messages rather than audio or video. Actual use depends on vehicle movement and the selected reporting interval.
SIM and Mobile Data Are Separate Costs
The mobile provider charges for the SIM and data plan separately from the tracking-platform fee. The tracker will stop sending new positions if the SIM is cancelled, out of credit or unable to use data.
Tracking Platform Costs
Included: 12 months of platform access from first activation.
Renewal prices through Stahlcar, per unit, including GST:
- 1 year: NZ$10
- 3 years: NZ$15
- 5 years: NZ$20
- 10 years: NZ$25
Each price covers the full selected period for one tracker. SIM and mobile-data charges remain separate.
Renew your GPS tracking platform access here. Add the renewal to your cart, then enter your unit serial number in the Special instructions box before checking out. For multiple units, list every serial number and the renewal period for each.
Stahlcar applies renewals manually after purchase. This is a one-off payment, with no automatic recurring subscription. No shipping charge applies to the renewal.
Ongoing remote tracking requires an active platform account, SIM and mobile-data service.
GPS and Mobile Coverage Limits
GPS reception is strongest with a clear view of the sky. Parking buildings, tunnels, workshops, shipping containers, heavy dashboards and dense city environments can reduce accuracy or delay a position.
Mobile coverage is required to send the position to the app. The platform will not show a fresh live location until the tracker reconnects.
The internal backup battery is intended for short-term power-loss reporting. It does not provide unlimited tracking after the accessory socket loses power.
Discreet Does Not Mean Hidden
The charger-style housing is less obvious than an OBD tracker, but it remains visible in the accessory socket and can be removed. Use the MT1 for a concealed installation.
Initial Setup
- Activate a compatible 4G data SIM and disable its PIN.
- Insert the SIM into the tracker in the correct orientation.
- Plug the C036 into a suitable powered accessory socket outdoors.
- Create the tracking-platform account and add the tracker using its supplied identifier.
- Enter the mobile-network APN if automatic data connection does not occur.
- Allow the tracker time to obtain its first GPS position.
- Test live tracking, history, alerts and both charging ports.
- Confirm whether the socket remains powered with the ignition off.
Tracking Privacy and Consent
Only track a vehicle you own or are authorised to manage. Drivers and employees should be informed where required. Compliance with privacy, employment and tracking laws is the owner’s responsibility.
What the C036 Does Not Do
The C036 does not read fault codes, diagnose the vehicle or immobilise it.
It cannot guarantee theft recovery, contact emergency services or continue transmitting indefinitely without vehicle power, mobile data and platform access.
What’s in the Box
- Stahlcar C036 4G GPS tracker and USB charger
- Online setup and tracking guide
- 12 months of included platform access from activation
C036, A1 or MT1?
Choose the C036 when you want plug-in tracking and useful USB charging in one unit.
Choose the A1 for the simplest OBD2 installation and easy transfer between vehicles.
Choose the MT1 for a hidden hardwired installation and more reliable parked power.
