AM Radio Requirements Coming to New Cars What Shoppers Need to Know

New Federal Legislation Could Mandate AM Radio in All Vehicles

A significant shift in automotive technology may be on the horizon. The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, a bipartisan bill that would require all new cars and trucks sold in the United States to include functioning AM radio capability. The legislation now awaits Senate approval and presidential signature before it can become law.

Why AM Radio Remains Important to Millions of Americans

While streaming and satellite radio have become increasingly popular, AM radio still serves a critical role in American life. More than 80 million people tune into AM stations monthly, and the Federal Communications Commission reports that over 4,300 active AM radio stations operate across the country. In rural regions and during natural disasters or emergencies, AM radio often provides the most reliable method for delivering urgent information to the public, even when internet and cellular networks become unavailable.

Baseball games, talk shows, and news programs remain staples of AM radio programming. For many drivers, especially those in less densely populated areas, maintaining access to AM frequencies ensures they can stay informed and entertained regardless of network conditions.

Which Automakers Have Removed AM Radio

Several major manufacturers have quietly phased out AM radio from their lineups over the past decade. Tesla eliminated AM capability from its vehicles back in 2018. BMW never included AM radio in its electric vehicle lineup, which started with the i3 model. Mazda, Volkswagen, and Rivian have also removed the feature from recent models. When Ford announced plans to eliminate AM radio from all its 2024 vehicles regardless of powertrain type, it sparked enough public concern that the company reversed course after this legislation was introduced in May 2023.

Some manufacturers, including Toyota, Chevrolet, and Ford, have maintained AM radio functionality in at least portions of their electric vehicle offerings.

The Technical Challenge of AM Radio in Electric Vehicles

The primary reason automakers have abandoned AM radio relates to the electromagnetic interference created by electric motors. Electric vehicle powertrains emit frequencies that can jam AM radio signals, making reception poor or impossible. In traditional gasoline-powered cars, adding or maintaining AM radio capability costs very little. However, developing a solution to overcome the electromagnetic interference problem in electric vehicles requires substantially more engineering effort and investment.

Automakers have generally determined that since only a small percentage of drivers actively use AM radio, the expense of engineering a workaround does not justify the benefit. Most modern vehicles continue to offer FM radio functions without the same technical complications, giving consumers another entertainment option.

What the Bill Could Mean for Consumers

If this legislation passes and becomes law, shoppers purchasing new vehicles would gain guaranteed access to AM radio reception. For those who rely on AM programming for news, sports, or talk content, this mandate ensures they will not lose that functionality when upgrading to a newer vehicle. The guarantee becomes especially valuable for buyers in areas where cellular coverage is unreliable or for individuals seeking backup information sources during emergencies.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates the legislation would affect approximately 2 to 2.5 million vehicles annually. While updating radio equipment itself would cost relatively little since most electric vehicles already include FM capabilities, the expense of engineering solutions to eliminate electromagnetic interference remains uncertain. The CBO projects the bill would cost the federal government around $1 million over a five-year period.

The Path Forward for This Legislation

The bill enjoys bipartisan support in Congress, a favorable sign for its eventual passage. However, it still must navigate the Senate before reaching the president’s desk for signature. The legislation represents a consumer-focused approach to vehicle regulation, prioritizing broad access to information and entertainment technologies that many drivers consider essential.

For those concerned about maintaining reliable access to AM radio, this bill demonstrates that regulatory action can preserve access to important technologies even as the automotive industry shifts toward new powertrains and digital systems. Whether you’re a dedicated baseball fan, a talk radio enthusiast, or someone who depends on AM news broadcasts, understanding this legislation helps you recognize how federal policy shapes the vehicles available in the marketplace.

In the meantime, if AM radio access matters for your next car purchase, consult detailed specifications for any models you’re considering. You might also explore the best car chargers for road trips and daily commutes to ensure your vehicle meets all your connectivity and entertainment needs during travel.