A bill called “AM Radio in Every Car” was introduced in the U.S. Congress to require all cars to have AM radio, which is typically used for emergency broadcasts and government-to-citizen communications, but some car companies have been phasing out the feature.

Farley tweeted earlier today that after discussing the importance of AM radio as an emergency alert system with policy leaders, they decided to support the feature on all Ford and Lincoln models built in 2024. For owners of Ford electric vehicles that do not have AM Radio, they will provide a software update to address the issue.

Ford initially planned to eliminate AM radio, but lawmakers insisted it was a public safety necessity. A Ford spokeswoman said the company will still offer “alternatives” for owners who don’t have AM radio, allowing them to listen to their favorite music, news and podcasts. Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) said, “This is a big deal because we can’t allow companies like Tesla and Ford to exploit consumers who have been using AM radios for more than 100 years while other automakers still offer the service for free.” Tesla has also previously eliminated AM radio, explaining in a letter to Markey that the feature interferes with the design of the electric drive system. But Markey didn’t buy it, saying “technically, it costs very little to fix the interference problem.”

Ford seems to realize the importance of AM radio and its ability to alert the public in the event of a major emergency. For vehicles that currently lack this feature, restoring it would only require a software update.

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For nearly 100 years, drivers have been listening to AM radio with news, traffic, weather, sports and a variety of other programming. But as electric cars begin to capture more of the U.S. market, the dashboard staple could disappear like manual crank windows and car ashtrays.

A growing number of electric cars are ditching AM radios, shift broadcasters say is a worrisome one that could spell trouble for radio stations and deprive drivers of a key source of news in emergencies. Automakers say electric cars generate more electromagnetic interference than gasoline-powered vehicles, which can interfere with AM signal reception and cause static, noise and high-frequency buzzing (FM signals are more resistant to such interference).

BMW said in a statement, “In order not to frustrate our customers with poor reception and noise, we have decided not to install this equipment in vehicles equipped with eDrive technology.” The eDrive technology is the system that powers its electric vehicles.

Tesla, Audi, Porsche and Volvo have also eliminated AM radios in their electric vehicles, and Volkswagen has eliminated AM radios in its ID.4 electric suv, according to automakers and the National Association of broadcasting. Ford says its popular 2023 F-150 Lightning electric pickup will also stop carrying an AM radio.

Some experts say the signal reception problem is not insurmountable. Pooja Nair, a communications systems engineer at entertainment technology company Xperi Inc. with HD Radio technology, said electromagnetic interference can be controlled with shielded cables, filters and carefully placed electronics in the vehicle.

But such changes require money and effort, and it’s unclear whether automakers are willing to invest more in the services of AM radio enthusiasts.

The post Car radios may be abandoned, broadcasters worry: What to do in an emergency appeared first on TechGoing.