The familiar act of turning on free AM or FM radio in your car is under threat. A growing number of automakers are moving to eliminate built-in radio tuners, pushing consumers toward paid, subscription-based digital audio.
For decades, terrestrial radio has been the default in-car audio, valued for being free and essential for emergency broadcasts. However, some manufacturers, including Tesla and Rivian, now sell vehicles without an FM tuner. Rivian's new R2, for example, pairs exclusively with its paid 'Rivian Digital Radio' service from iHeartRadio, which requires a cellular data plan.
The trend extends to AM radio. Several electric vehicle makers, such as Tesla and BMW, argue electromagnetic interference from motors makes AM signals unlistenable. This has prompted U.S. lawmakers to advance the bipartisan AM Radio Vehicle Act of 2025, which would mandate AM radio capability in all new cars.
Critics view the shift as a new revenue stream. It mirrors other controversial subscription models for already-installed features like heated seats or remote start. Consumer feedback indicates that removing free radio is a deal-breaker for many, highlighting a potential backlash against what they see as charging for a long-standard feature.