All new cars should be required to have AM radio, says U.S. House

In a nutshell: Congress is deliberating whether to require new vehicles to include AM radio, a technology that many auto manufacturers consider outdated and that consumers are increasingly abandoning in favor of digital streaming. However, there are arguments for its inclusion, such as its role as a communication tool during emergencies. If this bill passes, it would represent a significant shift in both auto regulation and radio broadcasting.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee has approved a bill requiring all new vehicles to include AM radio. Known as the AM for Every Vehicle Act, the legislation passed with a 45-2 vote and will now proceed to the full House for consideration.

The bill addresses a growing trend among automakers, particularly electric vehicle manufacturers, to exclude AM radio from their latest models. If enacted, the legislation would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to mandate that automakers include AM broadcast radio in their vehicles at no additional cost to consumers.

Supporters of the bill argue that AM radio plays a crucial role in emergency communications during natural disasters and other crises, serving as a reliable information source when other systems may fail. It is also a preferred platform for right-leaning news and media outlets, which has prompted some conservative groups to lobby against its discontinuation. Additionally, AM radio remains vital in remote areas where alternatives may not be available.

The bill has 60 co-sponsors in the Senate, according to Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass), one of the bill's co-authors. This provides the legislation with a filibuster-proof majority in the upper chamber.

However, the legislation faces opposition from some automakers, particularly those producing electric vehicles. Companies like Tesla, Polestar, and Rivian have cited electromagnetic interference from electric powertrains as a reason for omitting AM radio from their vehicles.

Critics of the bill also express concerns about potential increased production costs for EVs, which are already struggling to lower prices to make them more appealing to consumers. Adding proper shielding and filters to address interference issues will incur additional costs. Furthermore, they argue that alternative technologies, such as internet streaming and HD radio on FM bands, are viable replacements for AM radio.

It is also easy to see why auto manufacturers might resist including AM radio in their high-tech dashboards. The technology is widely viewed as outdated, and consumer preferences are shifting towards digital streaming and smartphone apps. AM radio, which is free, would occupy valuable dashboard space at a time when manufacturers are promoting paid subscription streaming services.