US carmakers could soon be forced to offer AM radio for free in new vehicles 100-year-old technology to make a comeback after being ditched by Tesla, Volvo, BMW, and more

Date:
Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Description:
AM radio looked dead in cars, but now the US government wants it back.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter The trend of ditching AM and FM radios might have to be reversed Supporters argue AM radio offers critical information during emergencies EV makers have said interference from motors can affect AM radio signal Automakers in the US may have to reintroduce a 100-year-old technology into new vehicles, as the House of Representatives approved legislation this week that would require new cars, trucks, and SUVs to include AM radi o at no additional charge to consumers, according to TechCrunch .

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act will now head to the Senate, but it could require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to create new rules that would make AM radio standard in new vehicles. While support
for the Act has been relatively slow to gain traction, there has been a
recent spike in interest from politicians of both parties, as well as the broadcast industry and emergency responder organizations. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

The key argument is that AM radio provides critical information in the event of emergencies, when cellphone signals could be knocked out.

Farmers use AM radio for weather forecasts, local information, and crop reports, while older Americans rely on it for local news and programming, House Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie said on the House floor. You may like US bans Polestar but not Volvo in baffling EV ruling BBC waves goodbye to Long Wave radio in the shift to a digital-only future EV
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While this may be good news for AM radio fans, farmers, or those living in rural communities where cellphone signals can be an issue, a growing number
of automakers may be forced to rethink their infotainment offerings.

Tesla famously began phasing out AM radio in 2020, claiming that interference from the electric motors ruined the listening experience. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

It then removed built-in FM and AM radio in hardware in certain trim levels, relying instead on streaming and Bluetooth connectivity.

But since then, many more automakers have followed suit, with Volvo , BMW, Polestar, and Rivian all favoring streaming services for their software-defined vehicles. Analysis: EVs could be hardest hit (Image credit: Rivian) According to USA Today , the budget office said that the legislation could particularly impact manufacturers of electric vehicles, with analysis
of EV sales data revealing that the legislation would require manufacturers
to update radio equipment in about 2 to 2.5 million vehicles each year.

Those carmakers that still offer FM radio built-in likely wont feel the financial pressure as much, yet the likes of Tesla and Rivian, both of which have removed AM and AM/FM receivers entirely in certain models, will likely have to rethink their strategies.

Senator Ted Cruz said the vote sent a clear message to car manufacturers that AM radio is a lifeline that must be protected in new vehicles, although all eyes will be on the Senate to see whether the Act passes into law. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/us-carmakers-c ould-soon-be-forced-to-offer-am-radio-for-free-in-new-vehicles-100-year-old-te chnology-to-make-a-comeback-after-being-ditched-by-tesla-volvo-bmw-and-more


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