U.S. House passes legislation to mandate AM radio in new cars

The U.S. House has passed legislation that would require all new vehicles to be equipped with AM radio. The bill aims to preserve access to traditional broadcasting, which proponents argue is a vital tool for emergency information during natural disasters or terrorist attacks, especially when cellular networks fail.

Several automakers, including Tesla, Volkswagen, and Volvo, have begun removing AM radios from certain newer models, particularly electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids. Industry representatives, such as the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, have noted that high-voltage electrical systems in EVs can create electromagnetic interference, resulting in significant signal distortion and static.

While industry research suggests many drivers are shifting toward streaming, satellite, or digital broadcasts, the National Association of Broadcasters maintains that analog AM radio remains a critical safety component for public warnings.