How VIN decoding works
A VIN is a 17-character identifier. Decoding maps each segment to manufacturer, platform, drivetrain, model year, and production attributes to reduce listing ambiguity.
The 3 VIN sections that matter
WMI (characters 1-3) identifies the manufacturer. VDS (4-9) captures platform and configuration clues. VIS (10-17) includes model year, plant, and serial sequence context.
For EV workflows, decoding should always be paired with model-year-specific interpretation because trim naming, battery packs, and software hardware can shift quickly.
What decoding should output
- Year, make, model, and likely trim context
- Drivetrain and battery-related indicators
- Technology package and option clues
- Warnings when data confidence is low