Non-Powered GPS Tracker
Battery replacement is the hidden cost of GPS tracking—sending technicians to change batteries on remote equipment, dealing with dead trackers, missing critical location updates. Non-powered GPS trackers eliminate this hassle through alternative power sources.
Types of Non-Powered GPS Trackers
Solar-Powered Trackers
How it works: Built-in solar panel charges internal battery
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 5-10+ year lifespan | Needs sun exposure |
| No maintenance visits | Higher upfront cost |
| Works in remote locations | Panel must face up |
| Environmentally friendly | May need larger mounting |
Best for: Outdoor equipment, trailers, containers, agricultural assets
Hardwired Vehicle Trackers
How it works: Connects directly to vehicle 12V/24V power
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited runtime | Professional installation |
| Continuous updates | Permanent installation |
| Additional features | Only for powered vehicles |
| Most reliable |
Best for: Fleet vehicles, trucks, heavy equipment with batteries
OBD2 Plug-In Trackers
How it works: Plugs into vehicle's diagnostic port
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 30-second installation | Vehicle data access concerns |
| No wiring required | Can be unplugged |
| Vehicle diagnostics | Only works when vehicle on |
| Easy to move |
Best for: Light vehicles, rental cars, company vehicles
Energy Harvesting Trackers
How it works: Captures energy from vibration, temperature differentials, or RF
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Truly maintenance-free | Limited applications |
| Works without sunlight | Lower power output |
| Innovative technology | Still emerging |
| Long lifespan |
Best for: Specific industrial applications, emerging use cases
Solar-Powered GPS Trackers
How They Work
- Solar panel captures sunlight
- Charge controller manages battery
- Internal battery stores energy
- GPS and cellular operate from battery
- Panel recharges battery continuously
Key Specifications
| Spec | Good | Better | Best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel wattage | 0.5W | 1W | 2W+ |
| Battery capacity | 2,000mAh | 5,000mAh | 10,000mAh+ |
| Update frequency | Hourly | 15 min | 5 min |
| Cloud days operation | 7 days | 14 days | 30 days |
Installation Considerations
- Orientation: Panel must face sky (not vertical mounting)
- Shade: Avoid tree cover, buildings, equipment that shadows
- Cleaning: Occasional dust removal may be needed
- Climate: Works in cold, but snow cover blocks charging
Popular Solar GPS Trackers
| Device | Best For | Battery Backup | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geoforce GT1 | Heavy equipment | 30 days | $200-300 |
| Queclink GL505 | Containers, trailers | 14 days | $150-250 |
| Digital Matter Oyster | General outdoor | 7 days | $100-200 |
| CalAmp Solar | Enterprise | 21 days | $250-400 |
Hardwired GPS Trackers
Installation Methods
Direct 12V/24V Connection
- Connect to vehicle battery
- Add inline fuse for safety
- Professional installation recommended
- Most reliable power source
Ignition-Switched Power
- Only powered when vehicle running
- Reduces battery drain
- Misses parked vehicle movements
- Simpler installation
Constant + Ignition Power
- Two-wire installation
- Tracks always, reports more when running
- Best of both worlds
- Standard professional install
Features Enabled by Hardwired Power
| Feature | Battery Device | Hardwired |
|---|---|---|
| Update frequency | 15-60 min | 10 sec - 5 min |
| Always-on tracking | Limited | Yes |
| Remote commands | Limited | Full |
| Live streaming | No | Yes |
| Engine diagnostics | No | Often |
Popular Hardwired Trackers
| Device | Best For | Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsara AG24 | Fleet | Full telematics | $300-400 |
| CalAmp LMU-3030 | Enterprise | OEM integration | $200-300 |
| Queclink GV300 | General | Versatile | $100-200 |
| Teltonika FMB920 | Budget | Basic tracking | $50-100 |
OBD2 GPS Trackers
How OBD2 Trackers Work
- Plug into vehicle's OBD2 port (all US vehicles since 1996)
- Draw power from vehicle
- Access vehicle data (speed, mileage, diagnostics)
- Transmit via cellular
Advantages
- No installation: Plug and play
- Vehicle data: Speed, mileage, fault codes
- Portable: Move between vehicles
- Quick deployment: Track fleet immediately
Limitations
- Visible: Can be unplugged
- Port access: Some vehicles have awkward port locations
- Power drain: Small but constant
- Limited to vehicles: Won't work on equipment
Popular OBD2 Trackers
| Device | Monthly Cost | Vehicle Data | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bouncie | $8/mo | Full | $67 device |
| MOTOsafety | $20/mo | Full + teen tracking | $80 device |
| Vyncs | $5/mo (annual) | Full | $90 device |
| LandAirSea Overdrive | $20/mo | Basic | $30 device |
Comparing Power Options
Decision Matrix
| Factor | Solar | Hardwired | OBD2 | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installation | Medium | Complex | Easy | Easy |
| Maintenance | None | None | None | Regular |
| Lifespan | 5-10 years | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1-5 years |
| Asset types | Outdoor equipment | Vehicles | Vehicles only | Any |
| Update frequency | Hourly | Real-time | Real-time | Limited |
| Cost (5-year) | Low | Medium | Low | High |
Best Option by Asset Type
| Asset | Best Power Option |
|---|---|
| Fleet vehicles | Hardwired |
| Company cars | OBD2 |
| Trailers | Solar |
| Heavy equipment | Solar or hardwired |
| Containers | Solar |
| Remote assets | Solar |
| Indoor equipment | Battery or hardwired |
When Battery Power Still Makes Sense
Non-powered options aren't always possible:
Indoor/Shaded Assets
Solar won't work without sun. Battery-powered trackers like AirTags (1+ year battery) may be better for:
- Warehouse equipment
- Indoor tools
- Shaded storage areas
Low-Value Assets
Hardwiring a $100 tracker on a $500 asset doesn't make sense. Simple battery trackers or AirTags provide cost-effective tracking.
Temporary Tracking
For short-term needs (rental, project-based), battery devices avoid installation costs.
AirTag Alternative
Apple AirTags offer a middle ground:
- 1+ year battery life
- $3 battery replacement
- No subscription (with Find My)
- Works anywhere iPhones are
AirPinpoint turns AirTags into business tracking with alerts, geofencing, and fleet management.
Total Cost of Ownership
5-Year Comparison (Per Device)
| Cost | Solar | Hardwired | OBD2 | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware | $200 | $150 | $70 | $100 |
| Installation | $50 | $150 | $0 | $0 |
| Monthly service | $900 | $900 | $480 | $900 |
| Battery replacements | $0 | $0 | $0 | $100 |
| 5-Year Total | $1,150 | $1,200 | $550 | $1,100 |
OBD2 wins on cost for vehicles. Solar wins for non-vehicle outdoor assets.
Getting Started
- Categorize your assets: Vehicles, outdoor equipment, indoor equipment
- Assess power availability: Does asset have power? Sun exposure?
- Match technology: Choose appropriate power method per category
- Calculate TCO: Include installation, maintenance, replacements
- Pilot deployment: Test before full rollout
- Scale based on results: Expand what works
Non-powered GPS tracking eliminates the biggest operational headache of asset tracking. Choose the right power source for each asset type, and tracking becomes truly maintenance-free.
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