Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Make your car smart with Automatic’s most affordable device yet

By now, you’ve probably seen, or at least heard of, Automatic, a firm that is working to add smart technology to older cars with the help of a little device that plugs into your vehicle’s diagnostics port.

Earlier this year, Automatic released Automatic Pro, its most advance device yet, which added 3G connectivity to the already impressive lineup of features seen in its predecessor. At $130 though, the device was a bit pricier than previous generations, and not everyone needs the fancy features. For some, logging your miles and keeping up with detailed fuel mileage is more than enough.

Recommended Videos

For that reason, Automatic has released Automatic Lite, a more affordable option that drops application support and a few other features as a trade-off for a more affordable price point.

automatic-lite-3
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Automatic says the device is brand new, but you wouldn’t notice if from the looks of it — or even the capabilities. Automatic Lite features the same white and silver design as the first and second generation of Automatic devices and seems to have practically identical features.

When connected to its iOS or Android app and plugged into your vehicle’s OBD II port, Automatic Lite decodes engine issues in plain English, breaks down fuel usage, and tracks your mileage for either personal or business use.

automatic-lite-1
Image used with permission by copyright holder

As seen in the above comparison, it doesn’t feature the 3G connectivity or integrated app support. But at $80, a full $40 cheaper than it’s Pro counterpart, it represents a considerably fair trade-off.

If all you’re looking to do is keep your business miles separate from your personal miles, or get better stats on your vehicle’s fuel consumption, the Automatic Lite is your way to go. As we’ve said before, it’s essentially a FitBit for your car.

Once it’s in place, you’ll hardly notice it’s there and for $80, it’ll likely pay for itself over time by making you more aware of your driving habits and how they affect fuel use.

To order an Automatic Lite and to find out more, you can head on over to its product page.

Gannon Burgett
Former Editor
8 key things you need to know from Apple’s WWDC 2025 event
From a fresh look and updated names, to new features, more intelligence and live translation
iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS 26 shown on devices.

The WWDC 2025 keynote ran for just over an hour and a half. For those of you who don't fancy sitting through the whole presentation, we've pulled out the key things you need to know from the latest Apple event.

1. Welcome to the 26 club

Read more
Tesla’s robotaxi service is almost here, but it’s not the car you want to see
Silver Tesla Model Y Juniper side

Tesla chief Elon Musk has said that the automaker is aiming to launch its robotaxi service on June 22, in Austin, Texas.

“Tentatively, June 22,” Musk said in a post on X on Tuesday, adding: “We are being super paranoid about safety, so the date could shift.”

Read more
I tried an e-bike for the first time and now I’m hooked
It’s not about being a 'bike person', it’s about finding small upgrades to everyday life
A woman sitting on the Aventon Pace 4

Before this year, I’d never even touched an e-bike before, and the thought of riding one was never on my radar. With life already in constant motion thanks to two toddlers, biking wasn’t something I ever considered adding to the mix.

I’d always assumed e-bikes were for hardcore commuters or serious cyclists, not someone like me. I wasn’t looking for a big lifestyle change. I just wanted a quicker way to get to the park so we’d have more time to play before dinner.

Read more