Umair Gaines
AM radio has been a staple of car dashboards for almost 100 years, but with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), this could be about to change. Several prominent carmakers have decided to phase out AM radio from their electric vehicles, citing electromagnetic interference from electric motors as the main reason. This has sparked a backlash from groups concerned about the impact on emergency broadcasting capabilities, as AM radio is a critical way for authorities to communicate with the public during natural disasters and other emergencies. While some argue that other communication tools can replace AM radio, others worry that drivers might not have access to these alternatives in an emergency. With the increasing popularity of EVs, the future of AM radio in cars hangs in the balance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| AM radio in electric vehicles | AM radio is being phased out of electric vehicles due to electromagnetic interference from electric motors, which can cause buzzing and poor reception. |
| Impact on AM radio | AM radio listenership is already declining, and the loss of in-car listeners could further reduce its audience. |
| Safety concerns | AM radio is a critical tool for emergency communications, and officials worry that the lack of AM radio in electric vehicles could put people at risk during disasters and other emergencies. |
| Alternative solutions | Some automakers suggest digital streaming packages, Bluetooth connections, or radio over 5G as alternatives to AM radio. |
| Industry response | Some automakers, like Hyundai, have stated they have no plans to phase out AM radio. The NAB has launched a campaign to highlight the importance of in-car AM radio. |
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What You'll Learn
AM radio's role in emergencies
AM radio has long been a critical tool for communicating with the public during emergencies, such as natural disasters, and other crisis situations. Federal, state, and local officials in the US rely on AM radio to disseminate vital information, such as weather alerts and instructions on how to stay safe. This is especially important in power outages or areas with limited cell phone coverage, where other communication channels may be disrupted.
The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national public warning mechanism that enables the President of the United States to address the nation within 10 minutes during a national emergency. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in collaboration with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), manages this system at the federal level. AM radio stations play a crucial role in the EAS, with 71-77 designated as Primary Entry Points (PEPs) across the country, 85% of which are AM stations. These PEPs have a direct connection to FEMA and the National Weather Service (NWS), ensuring that emergency alerts reach a wide audience, including both urban and rural areas, through a "daisy chain" mechanism.
The long-range signal of AM radio is particularly valuable during emergencies, as it covers a much larger geographical area than a cell phone tower. This extensive reach ensures that critical information is accessible to people in remote or rural locations, who may not have access to other forms of communication. Additionally, AM radio does not require listeners to opt-in or sign up for alerts, making vital information immediately available to anyone with a simple radio device.
However, the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has posed a challenge to the reliance on AM radio in emergencies. Electric motors can interfere with AM frequencies, resulting in unwanted noises and poor reception. As a result, some automakers have decided to remove AM radios from their electric vehicles, raising concerns among government officials about the potential impact on public safety. While alternative communication channels, such as digital streaming and Bluetooth connections to smartphone apps, are available, they may not be as accessible or reliable during emergencies.
Despite the shift towards electric vehicles and the potential interference issues, AM radio remains an essential component of emergency preparedness and response, particularly in reaching a broad audience and providing detailed, actionable information to the public.
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Electric motors causing interference
Electric motors can cause interference with AM radio frequencies, leading to unwanted noises and poor reception. This interference is known as electromagnetic interference (EMI), and it occurs due to the electric current running through the motor and the presence of permanent magnets inside the motor. The interference results in a buzzing noise and faded signals, creating an annoying experience for listeners.
EMI is a disturbance within an electronic device, typically caused by an external energy source. In the case of electric vehicles (EVs), the electric motors generate electromagnetic interference, causing static, noise, and a high-frequency hum on AM radio transmissions. This interference can be particularly problematic for drivers who rely on AM radio as a crucial source of news and information during emergencies, such as natural disasters or other urgent situations.
Several automotive manufacturers, including BMW, Tesla, Audi, Porsche, and Volvo, have acknowledged the issue and removed AM radio from their electric vehicles. These automakers cite customer frustration with inferior reception and noise as the primary reason for the decision. However, this move has raised concerns among government officials and emergency management agencies, who recognize the critical role of AM radio in disseminating vital safety information to the public.
To address the interference issue, some automakers, like Stellantis, have employed techniques such as using shielded high-voltage cables and connectors to minimize the impact on AM radio signals. They have also relocated the radio receivers farther from the EV components in their infotainment systems. On the other hand, Volkswagen noted that such solutions could significantly affect the range and performance of their electric vehicles due to the added weight of the shielding materials.
While the interference caused by electric motors poses a challenge, it is important to recognize that AM radio continues to play a vital role in emergency communication. Efforts to balance technological advancements with public safety remain a key consideration for automakers and government officials alike.
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Automakers' solutions to interference
The electromagnetic interference (EMI) affecting AM radio signals in electric vehicles (EVs) has prompted automakers to explore various solutions. This interference is caused by the high-voltage electrical systems and onboard electronics in EVs, which generate frequencies that overlap with AM radio signals, resulting in static, crackling sounds, distortion, buzzing, and signal fading.
Some automakers have chosen to eliminate AM radio entirely from their EV models, such as BMW with the i4, iX, and i7, and Volkswagen. However, this approach has faced opposition from government officials who argue that AM radio is critical for transmitting emergency alerts and ensuring public safety.
To address the interference issue without removing AM radio, some automakers and experts have proposed and implemented several solutions:
- Shielding of cables and electrical systems: This involves using shielded high-voltage cables and connectors to reduce interference.
- Filters: Ferrite core filters, weighing about 2.2 pounds, can be used to reduce interference to AM radio signals.
- Strategic placement of electrical components: Moving the radio receivers farther from the EV components can help minimize interference.
- HD radio: Some Tesla models offer access to AM stations via HD radio, which converts AM broadcasts into an all-digital format transmitted on FM frequency bands.
- Radio over 5G: Terrestrial radio can be accessed through the 5G signal in most new cars, utilizing global radio aggregators and streaming services like TuneIn.
While these solutions offer promising approaches to mitigating AM radio interference in EVs, they also present challenges such as increased weight, impacting range and performance, and requiring significant investment. As such, automakers are faced with the task of balancing customer preferences, performance considerations, and cost implications in their efforts to address this complex issue.
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The impact on AM radio listenership
However, it is important to note that AM radio is still widely accessed, with Nielsen reporting that AM/FM signals reach 92% of Americans, and almost 50 million people listening to AM radio. Additionally, AM radio is a crucial source of information during emergencies and natural disasters, with federal, state, and local officials relying on it to communicate with the public. This means that even with the shift to EVs, maintaining access to AM radio in some form remains a critical safety issue.
The impact on listenership, therefore, depends on how people continue to access AM radio. While traditional AM radio listenership may decrease with the rise of EVs, people may still access AM transmissions through alternative means, such as digital streaming packages, Bluetooth connections to smartphone apps, or radio over 5G. These alternative methods could potentially attract new listeners, especially those who adopt EVs and wish to continue accessing AM radio content.
The automotive industry and broadcasters are working to address this issue. Some automakers are finding ways to mitigate interference, such as using shielded cables and connectors and moving radio receivers farther from EV components. Additionally, broadcasters are advocating for the importance of in-car AM radio and highlighting its role in providing local news, community engagement, and emergency information.
Overall, while the shift to EVs may impact traditional AM radio listenership, the availability of alternative access methods and the ongoing efforts to address interference issues could shape the future of AM radio and potentially attract new listeners.
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Government officials' concerns
Government officials are concerned about the safety risks associated with the absence of AM radio in electric vehicles (EVs). AM radio is a critical tool for federal, state, and local officials to communicate with the public during emergencies, such as natural disasters, and its elimination from EVs could put people at risk. Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts, a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, emphasizes the importance of maintaining free access to broadcast radio for public safety.
In a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and several congressional committees, seven former leaders of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) expressed their concerns. They highlighted that FEMA's National Public Warning System relies on the AM radio band to reach every point of the country simultaneously during emergencies. Without AM radio in EVs, drivers might miss crucial safety alerts, putting them in harm's way.
Additionally, government officials worry about the impact on AM radio broadcasters and listeners. AM radio has been a staple of "in-car entertainment" for nearly 100 years, providing news, traffic, weather, and sports updates. With the shift towards electric vehicles, broadcasters fear losing their connection to core listeners, and there is also concern about the potential loss of a crucial source of news and information for drivers.
While some automakers argue that other communication tools, such as digital streaming packages, Bluetooth connections, or internet radio, can replace AM radio, government officials caution that these alternatives may not be accessible to all drivers during emergencies. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, the auto industry's largest trade group, acknowledges the importance of AM radio but also points out that FEMA's public warning system aims to provide redundant alerts across multiple outlets, including text messages, the Emergency Alert System on radio and television, and weather radio.
Overall, government officials' concerns center around public safety, ensuring that emergency communications reach all citizens, and the potential disruption to a longstanding source of news and information for Americans.
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Frequently asked questions
AM radio is being removed from electric vehicles due to electromagnetic interference from the electric motors, which creates static, noise, and a high-frequency hum. This interference can cause unwanted noises and poor reception, leading to an inferior listening experience for customers.
The removal of AM radio from electric vehicles has raised concerns among emergency management officials and government officials. AM radio is a critical tool for disseminating vital information during emergencies, such as natural disasters, and is one of the most widespread avenues for authorities to reach the public. Without AM radio in electric vehicles, drivers may miss important safety alerts.
Electric vehicle owners can still access AM radio transmissions through digital streaming packages or Bluetooth connections to smartphone apps. Additionally, services like TuneIn offer access to feeds from thousands of radio stations over a vehicle's 5G wireless network access.
Several prominent carmakers have removed AM radio from their electric vehicles, including Tesla (Model S), Audi, Porsche, Volvo, Volkswagen (ID.4 SUV), and BMW (i4, iX, i7). Ford has also announced plans to phase out AM radio from most of its new and updated car models, including the F-150 Lightning.
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