Mikkel Christensen
AM radio has been a standard feature in cars for decades, but many electric vehicles are now starting to remove it completely.
AM radio has been a standard feature in cars for decades, but many electric vehicles are now starting to remove it completely.
According to BGR, the biggest reason comes down to interference created by EV technology itself.
Signal problems
Electric vehicle motors generate electromagnetic frequencies that interfere with AM radio signals.
That interference creates loud static and poor reception, making AM broadcasts difficult to use inside many EVs.
Because of this, several automakers including Tesla and BMW have removed AM radio support from some electric models.
Ford also dropped AM radio from parts of its lineup before bringing the feature back in certain 2024 vehicles.
Emergency concerns
The move has sparked criticism because AM radio still plays a major role in emergency broadcasting across the United States.
Severe weather alerts, evacuation notices, and AMBER alerts are often transmitted through AM frequencies, especially in rural areas.
Lawmakers have already stepped in with the proposed “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025,” which would require automakers to keep AM radio in new vehicles.
The legislation would also force manufacturers to disclose which earlier models removed the feature.
Expensive fix
Modern drivers now have more entertainment options than ever, including streaming apps, satellite radio, smartphones, and navigation systems like Waze.
Still, experts say replacing AM radio entirely could become controversial during emergencies where internet or cellular service is unavailable.
Automakers also reportedly have little interest in solving the issue because shielding EV systems from interference would require expensive redesigns and insulated wiring.
According to reports, fixing the problem across the industry could cost billions of dollars.
Sources: BGR
