Ford is bringing back its AM broadcasting radio feature in its EVs in 2024 due to public safety concerns.
CEO Jim Farley said on Twitter and LinkedIn, “After speaking with policy leaders about the importance of AM broadcasting radio as part of the emergency alert system, we’ve decided to include in on all 2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles.”
The CEO adds, “All new 2024 Ford and Lincoln models will be able to tune into AM radio, and previous EV models without the feature will be given a software update.”
AM radio had been removed from later EV vehicles by Ford and other automakers. Tesla’s current production models, including the Model S, are now all AM radio-free. According to automakers, the motors in those cars have electromagnetic frequencies that obstruct AM radio broadcasts. AM static on the car radio has increased along with the power of EV motors.
In a statement released by Ford last year, it stated, “The frequencies involved in AM radio tend to be directly affected by the electromagnetic noise in EV propulsion systems.”
On the other hand, public representatives have expressed concerns regarding a bipartisan proposal to mandate automakers to keep AM radio in new cars without charging consumers more was filed last week in the House.
According to the legislators, eight major car manufacturers have eliminated AM broadcast radio from their electrified vehicles. The AM for Every Vehicle Act would also mandate that automakers inform prospective customers that a vehicle lacks access to AM radio.
Craig Fugate, the head of FEMA during the Obama administration and one of the letter’s signers, “When all else fails, radio stations are often the last line of communications that communities have.”
