AM RADIO AND EVs DON’T MIX

By Anne Bourgoin

The use of AM radio creates electromagnetic interference problems with electric vehicle (EV) receivers. While this issue has been known for some years, a new study reinforces doubts about the usefulness of this service.

According to researchers at the Centre for Automotive Research, automakers would have to spend C$5.2 billion over seven years to reduce interference on board EVs. The report by this American organization, affiliated with General Motors and Ford, points out that these costs can be avoided by eliminating analog AM radio and offering digital AM/M radio or satellite services.

The automotive industry is under pressure from US politicians to preserve AM radio in future vehicles (electric or not), considering this service as essential. BMW, Tesla, Volkswagen, Mazda, Polestar, Rivian and Volvo no longer offer AM radio in their new EVs.