Carmakers say electromagnetic interference causes static and noise on AM transmissions, annoying customers. Broadcasters say they could lose a connection to their core listeners, who rely on the radio for emergencies.
The Insights: Are Electric cars the end of AM radio? Automakers are halting AM transmitters in electric cars because they create more interference electromagnetic interference than gas-powered vehicles. This interference disrupts the reception of AM stations, causing worse static and not allowing signal at all times. Since the disruption is more of a nuisance, most vehicles do not include AM radios. The alarming factor is that many emergency stations operate from the AM signals and are mainly consumed by auto listeners rather than other radios. Major manufacturers like Audi, BMW, Tesla, Porsche, Volkswagen, Ford, and Volvo are moving in this direction for their electric model vehicles. 47 million Americans listen to AM radio, 20% of the radio-listening public. With the shift many Americans are making to electric vehicles now that they are becoming affordable and more obtainable, AM radio could likely cease to exist in the nearer future than expected.