Why Are Some Electric Vehicles Putting AM Radio Out of Business? An Argument Against AM For Every Vehicle Act and Its Implications on Public Safety

Some manufacturers are leaving AM radio out of electric vehicles because of possible interference with the EV’s powertrain. AM, which stands for amplitude modulation, differs from FM, or frequency modulation, based on how the carrier wave is modulated, or altered. amplitude can be affected by the noise that comes from electric vehicles, computers, and TVs. The problem is when the interference gets picked up by the radio, which can lead to distortion and crackling.

But the bill’s supporters claim that AM radio is irreplaceable. AM radio can travel further than other radio waves because of its lower frequencies, and it can pass through solid objects. FEMA uses AM radio to broadcast critical safety alerts to the public, they note.

CEO Jim Farley wrote in social media postings Tuesday that the company is reversing a decision to scrub the band after speaking with government policy leaders who are concerned about keeping emergency alerts that often are sounded on AM stations.

The move comes after a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers introduced a bill calling on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require AM in new vehicles at no additional cost.

The sponsor of the “AM for Each Vehicle Act” pointed to public safety concerns and noted AM’s role in helping during emergencies and natural disasters.

Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., one of the bill’s sponsors, has said eight of 20 major automakers including Ford, BMW and Tesla have pulled the band from new vehicles.

Alan Hall said that less than 5% of customers listened to AM when it was removed from the mustang and f-150 lightning pickup. Electrical interference and reducing cost and manufacturing complexity also played a role.

AM will be put back into the vehicles of the EV and Ford will keep including it in future vehicles, as it looks at innovative ways to deliver emergency alert, said Hall.

Comments on the BMW Safety Warnings and Integrated Public Alerts and Warning System (IPOS) Resolution Act (IAS) (Invited press release)

The Federal Communications Commission and the National Association of Broadcasters are in favor of the legislation.

The trade group pointed to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Integrated Public Alerts and Warning System, which can distribute safety warnings across AM, FM, internet-based and satellite radios — as well as over cellular networks.

The statement made by BMW said that if the bill is approved the company will make a decision on what to do next. Messages were left seeking comment from Tesla.