Li Auto L7 - SIM card installation and restoration of internet in Europe

The Li Auto L7 is a modern, next-generation EREV hybrid that combines an electric powertrain with a range-extending generator, offering a high level of comfort and a sophisticated multimedia ecosystem. Numerous displays, online services, navigation, and over-the-air updates shape the driving experience, where a stable internet connection is critical.

Unfortunately, such vehicles often enter Europe through unofficial imports. This allows buyers to obtain a modern model without waiting for official sales, but requires adapting the electronics to local conditions. In particular, the standard eSIM, designed for the Chinese market, does not provide mobile internet connectivity in Poland.

Attempts to resolve the issue by sharing internet from a smartphone do not yield stable results: the connection may drop, the phone’s battery drains, and the connection process itself is inconvenient for everyday use. For a vehicle of this caliber, this is a significant compromise.

Case Study: Installing a Physical SIM Card in a Li Auto L7

A 2025 Li Auto L7 with approximately 10,000 km on the odometer arrived at the STS.Electro workshop. The owner was concerned about the lack of a built-in option to connect the multimedia system to mobile internet. Since the built-in Chinese eSIM did not work on European networks, all of the car’s online features were unavailable.

Taking into account the car’s specifications and the owner’s requirements, the optimal solution was chosen: a hardware modification of the multimedia unit to enable the use of SIM cards from local carriers that support such features—namely Orange Polska, T-Mobile Polska, and Play.

Work Process

Working with vehicles like this requires not only experience but also a clear understanding of the specific model’s design. In the case of the Li Auto L7, this involves a complex multimedia module with its own cooling system and tight integration with other vehicle systems. Therefore, all stages are performed sequentially, with each step monitored—from diagnostics to final testing.

1. Diagnostics and Solution Selection
   After analyzing all theoretical options for solving the problem, STS.Electro specialists selected the only correct option—hardware integration of the SIM slot as the most stable and long-term solution, independent of external devices.
2. Disassembly and preparation Partial disassembly
   of the interior was performed to access the multimedia unit. All components were carefully removed, preserving the original fasteners and clips. This is important to prevent extraneous noises (so-called “rattles”) after reassembly, which is particularly critical for a quiet hybrid car.

3. Features of working with the module The
   multimedia unit is equipped with liquid cooling, therefore:

• the coolant was carefully drained while monitoring the cleanliness of the process, eliminating the risk of antifreeze coming into contact with electronic components;
• the system has been prepared for subsequent proper restoration.

4. Microelectronic work High-precision operations
   were performed on the multimedia board:

• removal of the standard eSIM module;
• preparation of contact pads;
• soldering a cable with a slot for a physical SIM card.

Professional equipment for BGA soldering (ball grid array) was used, allowing us to work with multilayer boards without the risk of damaging them.

5. SIM slot integration
   The slot is routed to the glove compartment with ergonomics in mind and without affecting the interior’s appearance. This ensures quick access for future SIM card replacements.
6. Reassembly and system restoration

• The interior was reassembled with all fasteners and components checked;
• the cooling circuit has been restored with proper filling and flushing to ensure stable system operation without overheating.

7. Testing A SIM card from
   a local carrier was installed, and the stability of the internet connection, the operation of online services, navigation, and updates were tested under real-world conditions.

As a result, the vehicle gained full access to mobile internet without the use of external devices. The multimedia system operates stably, and all online functions are fully available.

STS.Electro specialists have experience working with complex automotive electronics, including hybrids and electric vehicles. The team performs upgrades, diagnostics, and repairs of high-tech systems, ensuring precision, accuracy, and results that meet the standards of modern vehicles.