Types of Vehicle GPS Trackers Every Fleet Should Know

Explore the types of vehicle GPS trackers that help ensure real-time visibility and safety of the fleet with precision and accuracy.

Vehicle tracking fails when the GPS setup does not match how the fleet operates. Slow location updates, lack of trip data or intermittent tracking is usually a result of an improper type of GPS tracker. This will result in unverified delays, low visibility, and increased operational costs over time.

Choosing the right vehicle GPS tracker is not just about tracking location. It is about ensuring consistent data, real-time visibility, and control across different types of fleet operations. Here, in this blog, we will discuss types of vehicle GPS trackers that are in demand for a reason. Find that reason now!

Vehicle GPS Trackers – What are They?

Vehicle GPS trackers are devices that are often mounted on a vehicle to trace:

  • Real-time location
  • Speed
  • Routes taken
  • Overall mileage

The trackers help enhance visibility, security, efficiency, and keep up with maintenance of vehicles.

But when it comes to selecting the best vehicle GPS trackers to integrate in the vehicle, you will find several options penetrating the market. Let’s explore common GPS tracker types for vehicles you must get next!

Why Do Businesses Use Vehicle GPS Trackers?

Businesses use vehicle GPS trackers to keep track of their vehicles and drivers in real time and ensure deliveries stay on schedule. Once installed, the system starts capturing movement data, which helps managers stay updated without constant follow-ups.

It also helps in monitoring multiple vehicles at once. Managers can check where each vehicle is and how it is being used during the day. Over time, this gives better control over daily operations. Plus, it shows driving patterns like:

So, they can promote drivers’ safety and prevent fuel theft activities. Another reason businesses are using vehicle GPS trackers as they help them recover their stolen vehicle using the GPS location tracking facility.

Types of Vehicle GPS Trackers

Plug-and-play GPS trackers, passive GPS trackers and hardwired GPS trackers are popular types of vehicle GPS trackers available in the market, each designed with specific features and functionalities.

1. Plug-and-Play GPS Trackers

Plug-and-Play GPS Trackers

Plug-and-Play GPS Trackers

These GPS trackers are easy to plug directly into a vehicle’s OBD-II port, typically located under the dashboard. These kinds are simple to use and don’t require professional installation.

They are hardwired to ignition, power and ground and have the following advantages:

Features Explanation
Real-time Tracking These GPS trackers provide real-time information about the vehicle’s:

  • Location
  • Speed
  • Routes
  • Total mileage

and other relevant data suitable for real-time visibility and monitoring of vehicles.

Easy Installation These trackers don’t require technical know-how. They are easy to attach to the OBD-II port or a power outlet.
Quick Setup and Activation After installation, they get activated almost instantly. There’s no lengthy configuration process, making them very user-friendly.
Portability They are easily portable. Meaning, they can be easily removed and added in another vehicle. Offers great convenience and flexibility along the way.

2. Hardwired GPS Trackers

Hardwired GPS vehicle trackers are one of the great devices to track business fleet vehicles and are installed straight into the vehicle’s electrical system. In comparison to plug-and-play devices, they are more discreet as they are placed under the vehicle’s bonnet, which is often out of sight and unreachable for common operators.

Thus, they require professional help for installation.

3. Battery-Powered GPS Trackers

Battery-powered GPS trackers are operated via battery power and are easy to place and use anywhere in a vehicle. These trackers are easy to move between vehicles, but may require periodic recharging or battery replacement.

💡How Much Does Battery Powered GPS Trackers Lasts?

  • The battery life of battery-operated GPS trackers varies based on overall use of the gadget, quality and model, and how often they transmit location updates.
  • The battery-operated GPS trackers have a lifespan of several days to several months depending on the type of battery used. Once again, this once again relies on the frequency of their transmissions, battery quality, and power saving capabilities they possess.
  • But remember to take a note that devices which have more sophisticated power saving modes are too good to be true since they can increase battery life at the expense of having proper real time updates.

4. Active GPS Trackers

Active GPS trackers utilize real-time satellite technology to relay locational data, making it super easy to track vehicles or assets of choice. These devices provide immediate locational updates across web or mobile devices when connected to GPS tracking software solutions.

Just like other types of vehicle GPS trackers, these ones help fetch real-time tracking the movement, speed and routes of the vehicles. And once added with powerful GPS tracking software, these active trackers help provide instant alerts and geofences to safeguard the vehicle/asset

5. Passive GPS Trackers

Passive vehicle GPS trackers are one of the cost-effective solutions as they store location data internally. However, the data is retrieved only when the device is accessed and processed on computing devices, physically.

However, unlike other active trackers, they don’t provide immediate alerts or live vehicle tracking.

Difference Between Active Trackers & Passive Trackers

Difference Between Active Trackers & Passive Trackers

Active Trackers

Passive Trackers

  • Constantly transmit data or signals.
  • Require a power source to operate.
  • Often used in real-time tracking applications.
  • Examples include GPS devices, RFID tags with active transmitters.
  • Store data but do not actively transmit signals.
  • Do not require a power source for operation.
  • Data retrieval occurs when the tracker is physically accessed.
  • Examples include barcode labels, QR codes and RFID tags without active transmitters.

6. Asset GPS Trackers

Asset trackers are portable hardwired units. They are most suitable for any small to high-value assets. You will find them in various forms such as AVL trackers, OBD GPS trackers, personal trackers, or even as Pet GPS trackers.

The asset trackers are suitable to mount across various non-moving assets like trailers, heavy equipment, containers and so on. They offer real-time location data, which aids in theft prevention when clubbed with vehicle asset tracking software, fostering efficient asset management across any XYZ industry.

Key Features to Look for While Choosing a Vehicle GPS Tracker

While choosing a GPS vehicle tracking system, managers should look for features like real-time tracking, location reporting, geofencing, and driver behavior tracking.

These features play an important role in improving fleet visibility and control. Continue reading to know more.

1. Tracking Accuracy

The device should offer precise location data using reliable satellite systems like GPS, IRNSS, or GLONASS.

2. Fuel monitoring support

Modern systems are capable of monitoring fuel consumption. This plays a vital role in detecting anomalies like fuel theft, leakage or inefficient use.

3. Real-time tracking

The system should provide live location updates. Managers can check if a vehicle is on route, idling, or taking longer than expected

4. Battery life

A long-lasting battery ensures continuous tracking without frequent downtime. This is important for fleets running long hours or multiple shifts

5. Geofencing

Allows managers to set specific zones and get alerts when a vehicle enters or exits. It is useful for monitoring warehouses, routes, or restricted areas.

6. Integration with Advanced Hardware and Sensors

A modern GPS tracking system should support integration with devices such as fuel sensors, temperature sensors, ADAS, and DMS solutions.

5 Best Vehicle GPS Trackers in India for 2026

Concox, Teltonika Telematics, and WanWayTech are the best vehicle GPS trackers in India for 2026. Continue reading to know how each one works in real-word use.

1. Jimi IOT (Concox)

Founded in 2015.

Jimi IoT (Concox) is known for providing location-based tracking devices used across fleet operations. The company builds GPS vehicle tracking systems that combine IoT technologies, cloud-based platforms, and data analytics to support vehicle monitoring.

Top Devices by Jimi IoT (Concox)

  • GTO6N
  • WeTrack2
  • Concox GT02A
  • MT200
  • GT800

2. Teltonika Telematics

Founded on April 15, 1998.

Teltonika Telematics is a Lithuania-based vehicle GPS tracking provider. It is known for building reliable and secure hardware that supports real-time tracking and vehicle telematics data collection.

Its devices are commonly used in fleets that require stable connectivity, detailed tracking data, and integration with broader fleet management systems.

Common devices from Teltonika Telematics:

  • Teltonica FMB003
  • Teltonica FMB125
  • Teltonica FMB920
  • Teltonica FMB640
  • Teltonica FMB110

3. WanWayTech

Founded in 2012.

WanWayTech is a reliable GPS tracker provider offering GPS tracking and IoT-based solutions used for asset tracking, fleet management, and vehicle monitoring. Wanwaytech trackers are commonly used to monitor location, track trips, and manage assets that need continuous movement visibility.

Common devices from Wanwaytech:

  • GS10G – 4G 8PIN Tracker
  • EV02 – 2G 4PIN 55MAH
  • H29P – 4G Tracker
  • GS05 – 3G 11PIN

4. SEEWORLD

Founded in 2008.

SeeWorld is a GPS tracking device provider known for offering AI & IoT powered solutions for vehicle tracking, asset monitoring, and personal tracking use cases. The focus is on providing simple and reliable tracking systems that can be used across different use cases.

Common devices from Seeworld:

  • V7 Pro 4G
  • G10L 4G
  • D20 2G 8
  • R58L – 4G OBD2
  • R12L-M – 4G

5. Queclink

Queclink provides GPS tracking devices used in fleet management across industries like logistics, cold chain, and long-distance transport. The devices are designed to support vehicle tracking along with additional data like fuel levels and vehicle status.

Common devices from Queclink:

  • GB100CG
  • GV355CEU
  • GV850CEU/GV850CNA
  • GV75MG SAT
  • GV65 Plus

Popular Industries that Use Vehicle GPS Tracking Software

GPS tracking is useful for every industry that involves the use of vehicles, assets, employees, consignment or equipment to make safe and timely deliveries. Here are some industries other than logistics, delivery or regular FMCG that need GPS tracker types for vehicles.

1. Trucking Industry

Travelling between regions, states to deliver consignment is an indispensable part of the trucking industry. The trips last up to days. The use of GPS tracking helps ensure the vehicle’s real-time location, ensure the driver is driving within the preferred speed limit, choosing acceptable routes, and delivering on time.

2. Oil and Gas Industry

Oil and gas industries often deal with transferring of delicate, inflammable or explosive materials. They need to monitor the equipment properly to ensure safety at the site. This is where GPS vehicle trackers help the best.

Also, the chances of theft are higher in the case of the oil industry which can be deterred through real time GPS tracking, geofencing and route deviation alerts.

3. Construction and Mining Industry

Construction and mining industries involve the use of multiple and costly heavy equipment. With rising cases of stolen equipment and vehicles losing their way into the mining site, the need to mount GPS tracking devices emerged.

Conclusion

Choosing among the right vehicle GPS trackers is only one part of the setup. The real value comes from how managers use this data in their daily operations. Different devices offer different levels of tracking, but without a proper system in place, the data often stays underutilized.

This is where vehicle tracking software like TrackoBit comes in. It works with 500+ tracking devices like Jimi IoT, Teltonika, and Queclink and brings all the data into one system. Managers can track vehicles, monitor driver behavior, check fuel usage, and get real-time alerts from a single dashboard.

Plus, it is hardware-agnostic, meaning that it can work with a vast number of GPS devices and sensors such as OBD devices, wired trackers, and AVL trackers. The ability to support multiple integrations such as AIS 140-compliant devices allows businesses to select the hardware they require without the concerns of compatibility.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which GPS tracker is best for fleet management?

    Concox, Teltonica Telematics and Ruptela are the best GPS trackers for fleet management. Businesses usually pick a device that works well with their system and then use a platform like TrackoBit to handle all tracking data, alerts and reports.

  • How much does a vehicle GPS tracker cost?

    The cost of a GPS tracking system for a vehicle depends on the type of device and its features. Basic trackers are usually cheaper while advanced ones cost more. Apart from the device, businesses should also think about the cost of the platform or software used to manage tracking data.

  • What industries use vehicle GPS tracking systems?

    Vehicle GPS tracking systems are used in logistics, transportation, delivery services, construction, transport, and field service businesses. Any business that needs to track vehicles and manage trips can benefit from GPS tracking systems.

  • Do vehicle GPS trackers work without internet?

    Yes. Even when a vehicle has no internet, GPS trackers can be used to locate the position of the vehicle since it uses satellite signals. The device cannot instantly send the data to the platform without internet. Trackers store the data and upload it at a later time when the network is accessible in most instances.

  • How does a vehicle GPS tracking device work?

    A vehicle GPS tracking device finds the location of a vehicle using signals from satellites. The device inside the vehicle gets these signals and calculates its position. This location data is then sent to a software platform like TrackoBit so managers can see the vehicle on a map.

Types of Vehicle GPS Trackers Every Fleet Should Know
Nandita Gupta

Nandita is the Team Lead for Content Marketing at TrackoBit, bringing over a decade of experience in B2B, B2C, and IoT sectors. She has a proven track record of helping Read More

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