eSIM-Compatible Cars and Infotainment Systems in 2025

Modern services try to satisfy the needs of consumers who seek automatic functions without the need to care for various supplements. Modern consumers want it all, and now.

That is why the manufacturers of eSIM and cars have opened a new era of comfort in navigation and security. eSIM for cars lets drivers find the way to the required destination in a couple of seconds. Besides, this nanotechnology allows contact rescue centres in no time.

Do you want to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of eSIM technology on cars? Why do top-notch car brands provide their vehicles with such a connection? Continue reading this article, and you will get all the answers to your questions.

What is eSIM and How It Works in Cars

Previously, users associated eSIM with smartphones and people who like to travel and hate costly roaming services. Today, eSIM is a part of comfort as it has been activated in cars. What is that? For short, it is an embedded SIM technology that requires only an internet connection to become active. So, people do not have to buy physical SIM cards when arriving in other countries.

eSIM for car requires only a 5G connection to provide a range of advantages. It is a tiny chip that searches for the nearest mobile network that supports it. Due to that, you can have only one data plan without the need to shift to others while crossing the country or to buy a SIM card from another carrier.

Privileges Over Physical SIM Cards

So, cars with eSIM allow its users to enjoy the following benefits:

• Staying in touch with the world. You do not need to connect your smartphone with a prepaid data plan to your car, as your vehicle will also be able to take a signal from the nearest cell tower. Such a function is a must-have, especially for different in-built services that help you stay safe on roads.
• Remote control. You do not have to buy and install new SIM cards each time you enter another country that does not support your mobile carrier. You can change your data plan via the app from any place and at any time.
• Remote car identification. Modern advanced cars need updates for GPS navigation and various services. eSIM keeps information about your Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number, or MSISDN for short. So, if you need to call emergency services, they will find you without problems in no time.

eSIM and Improved Connection with the World

Along with the above-given advantages, eSIM also improves the connection of the car with the world, providing a better user experience in the following ways:

Benefits of Using eSIM in Cars

When choosing the embedded SIM card for a car, you can experience such perks as the following.

• Flexibility. Your car is not connected to the local mobile service provider. It can connect to the carrier that is available in the other country without the need to buy and change the SIM card. Besides, you do not have to stick to one data plan as you can purchase a specific number of gigabytes, the unlimited data plan, or pay as you go. The cost depends on the eSIM carrier you prefer.
• Simple activation and enhanced usability. You do not need to unlock slots to activate SIM cards for different regions. For connected cars, all settings are done remotely via apps. Everyone has a smartphone or a tablet, so such a procedure will take a couple of minutes and require little knowledge, as hints or voice commands will tell you what to do.
• OS upgrade. A stable Internet connection will let your vehicle update all programs needed for a comfortable driving like GPS, mapping, weather forecasts, cybersecurity, etc. Such upgrades fix all bugs and malfunctions to guarantee smooth car operation.
• Enhanced security. An installed eSIM via apps is impossible to steal. Besides, eSIM is protected by encrypted protocols, so nobody can access it. It will be impossible to hack it easily.
• 24/7 internet connectivity. Your car stays connected to the internet round the clock, which is significant for app updates and eCalls that are already included in cars manufactured after 2018, according to the EU protocols.
• Maximum usability. With the Internet being available everywhere, you can listen to online podcasts, activate Spotify, watch YouTube videos, listen to radio news, and use Maps to find the shortest way to your destination.

When thinking about SIM or eSIM for your car, you should also compare data plans. Sometimes, it is cheaper to buy a prepaid eSIM data plan than to use roaming services or buy physical cards in all countries.

Moreover, you will need to know the stores that sell these cards. It might become a big problem if you are disconnected from the Internet and your mobile roaming is too slow and cannot provide a stable connection and speed for a GPS navigator. With eSIM, such a problem is eliminated.

Best eSIM-Compatible Cars

Creating cars with eSIM integration is not a trend anymore but a piece of comfort and security requirements. Car industries try to apply advanced technology to provide maximum usability to their clients. This is the list of top car brands that already have this nanotechnology.

How eSIM Improves Infotainment Systems in Cars

Previously, drivers had to install a SIM card and change it each time they entered a new city. As a result, they had to save costs and either refused to use online services for the sake of traffic management or used USB sticks/Bluetooth connections to smartphones to listen to the downloaded files.

eSIM makes these things more accessible due to the 5G connection. Now, everyone who drives an eSIM-connected car can enjoy the improved infotainment due to the:

• 24/7 stable connection to online services without the need to be dependent on the owner’s smartphone hotspot;
• A vast choice of multimedia services, including radio stations, audio and video streaming platforms like Spotify, YouTube Music, Netflix, Apple Music, and more;
• AI-integrated functions which let cars remember the preferences of drivers and suggest content that meets their preferences;
• Advanced navigation with speed suggestions, traffic jam warnings, information about accidents, parking possibilities, petrol or charging stations locations, etc.;
• Integration of smart home technologies with the help of voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa that let users control the climate, illumination, volume of music and videos inside the car, making the ecosystem of the vehicle more favorable;
• OTA Updates to control all apps, overall car performances, and emergency calls in case of accidents.

All-in-all, eSIM makes all services custom-oriented and easy to use. So, they do not have to 100% rely on their smartphones anymore or entertain, using different SIM cards or expensive roaming services.

How to Activate and Use eSIM in Your Car

Each car has its own eSIM activation system. However, one can generalize them and provide an approximate setting guide for all advanced cars.

• First, check if your car is eSIM compatible. For that, you can consult the user’s manual or the app dedicated to your car model, like the MyAudi app or We Connect for Volkswagen.
• Then, go to settings on your app and choose “Connectivity”→ “Network”→ “Mobile Data”→ “SIM card”. Some cars have a specific tool like BMW Personal eSIM.
• After that, activate your eSIM. You should select your mobile provider in settings, add your number, and tap the “check with provider” button on your smartphone.
• Finally, follow the instructions of your mobile carrier to finish the activation process for your car.
• After the activation, you will be able to see the activated eSIM in your mobile app.

Some cars have the activation process on the digital car stereo. As a rule, you need to go to Mobile Devices→personal eSIM→Activate. Usually, a QR code will appear on the screen. You will need to scan it with your smartphone for web activation. There, you will see data plans, information about carriers, and prompts for successful activation.

Most cars like BMWs ask for eSIM synchronization with your smartphone after the activation to connect to the Internet for remote control via mobile apps and to enable a Wi-Fi hotspot. Besides, it allows you to save contacts in your car for quick calls.

Tips for Successful eSIM Use

You should choose the data plan that will meet your personal needs. For that, compare several eSIM services to either choose traffic for cars with unlimited gigabytes or a certain number of GB for a specific country. You can change your data plans via apps or on your car’s digital car stereo. In the Connectivity section, you can track the traffic use, check data plan details, and switch between profiles if you need that.

Besides, before activation, you should connect to a safe and stable Wi-Fi to provide smooth installation and data plan activation. If you do not have Wi-Fi nearby, you can connect to your smartphone. You should read the prompts from your provider carefully when choosing the plan. If you have some doubts, you can contact online support to clarify details.

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eSIM vs Traditional SIM Cards in Cars

eSIM technology made the car user experience more pleasant and convenient. To parallel the pros and cons of eSIM and a physical SIM card, you should study the table given below.

So, eSIM technology is something you need to stay safe and connected. The only disadvantage is that not all countries support 5G connection, eSIM cannot be relocated to another vehicle without authorization, and not all cars are eSIM compatible. Concerning other issues, eSIM provides only perks.

The Future of eSIM in the Automotive Industry

eSIM-connected cars make your driving more comfortable, safe, and time-effective. It promises the desired user experience feedback due to enhanced infotainment and services such as real-time streaming, remote diagnostics, on-time OTA updates, seamless navigation, and many other mobile services. It makes car autopilots and Vehicle-to-Everything technology more real and accessible.

eSIM activation improves your personal safety on roads and provides the desired flexibility for mobile carrier and data plan switches. Remote controls based on apps allow drivers to monitor their cars’ current functionality, update software, find malfunctions, and change settings. What is more, car service providers can track your car and find its location in case of theft or a car accident.

So, make sure your car supports eSIM services, activate your carrier data plan, and enjoy all the privileges of this nanotechnology. Stay flexible and connected 24/7 with top eSIM providers like Yesim.

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