MENU
SEARCHIt turns out drivers will still get to listen to their sports and talk show icons after all, and there is a bipartisan bill to keep it that way.
There was a time when an AM receiver was standard, and FM was an optional upgrade. Now, eight automakers have removed AM receivers from their EV models.
Photo: Canva
Ford is not scrapping AM radio its new and updated light-duty models after all, according to an announcement posted to Twitter on May 23 by Ford CEO Jim Farley.
“After speaking with policy leaders about the importance of AM broadcast radio as a part of the emergency alert system, we've decided to include it on all @Ford & @LincolnMotorCo vehicles. For any owners of Ford EVs without AM broadcast capability, we’ll offer a software update.”
After speaking with policy leaders about the importance of AM broadcast radio as a part of the emergency alert system, we've decided to include it on all 2024 @Ford & @LincolnMotorCo vehicles. For any owners of Ford EVs without AM broadcast capability, we’ll offer a software…
— Jim Farley (@jimfarley98) May 23, 2023
In February, Ford said it was dropping AM receivers from the Ford F-150 Lightning, according to a statement to the Detroit Free Press. Some automakers claim that AM radio waves generate enough electromagnetic interference to affect the AM signal — while others are keeping AM.
The Ford statement “most new and updated 2024 models" suggested gas-powered vehicles were included as well, though Ford made clear that commercial vehicles “will continue to offer AM radio because of longstanding contract language.”
The announcement generated significant backlash from the public and government agencies alike. While AM channels are available via apps and streaming services, these groups, including FEMA, cited AM as a fallback communications method to disseminate emergency information.
The gradual abandonment of AM radio in vehicles moved Senator Ed Markey to send a letter to 20 manufacturers requesting that they maintain AM radios in all their new vehicle models.
Markey and fellow lawmakers are taking the fight one step further. On May 17, Markey and a bipartisan House and Senate coalition announced the “AM for Every Vehicle Act,” which would direct federal regulators to require automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their new vehicles at no additional charge.
In the joint statement, reasons for keeping AM beyond safety were cited:
“Each day, millions of Americans turn to AM radio to stay up to date on life in their community, engage on the issues they care about, or to be simply entertained during rush hour,” said Senator Ted Cruz. “AM radio is a critical bulwark for democracy, providing a platform for alternative viewpoints and the ability for elected officials to share our efforts with our constituents.”
Ford isn’t the only automaker to consider the change. According to Markey’s office, these companies no longer offer an AM radio receiver in their EVs.
BMW
Ford
Mazda
Polestar
Rivian
Tesla
Volkswagen
Volvo
Honda
Hyundai
Jaguar/Land Rover
Kia
Lucid
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Stellantis
Subaru
In the press statement, Markey’s office said Mercedes-Benz and General Motors declined to provide individual responses.
Gemini integration and new Google Maps immersive navigation tools are slated for upcoming Volvo EV models, including the EX60.
Read More →
Ray Breault, a former NAFA president and longtime fleet leader whose career spanned nearly 60 years, died May 1 at age 95. Breault was inducted into the Automotive Fleet Hall of Fame in 2008 and was widely recognized for his contributions to the fleet management profession.
Read More →
Volkswagen recently released details on the 2027 lineup, which includes a variety of new features for the vehicles.
Read More →
Kia lowered pricing for the 2026 EV6 lineup while adding standard charging equipment, Plug & Charge capability, and updated color options.
Read More →
BMW priced the 2027 iX3 50 xDrive at $61,500 and said the new EV SUV will offer up to 434 miles of range, 800V fast charging, and a new-generation operating system when deliveries begin in September.
Read More →
In this news recap, host Faith Howell covers the ethics of AI, replacement delays, and how one company is streamlining uptime.
Read More →
For fleet managers, fuel is one of the biggest line items in the budget — and it's one hybrids can shrink without changing how your people work. Download the eBook to see the numbers, understand the technology, and get a step-by-step guide to making the switch.
Read More →
EMKAY recently celebrated a major milestone: 80 years in the fleet industry.
Read More →
Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This white paper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.
Read More →
Mercedes-Benz introduces an all-electric C-Class with dual motors, up to 482 hp, fast charging, and a redesigned interior built on a dedicated EV platform.
Read More →
