MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

EV Makers Pressed to Keep AM Radio in Models

Ex-FEMA heads say it’s a public safety issue.

February 28, 2023
EV Makers Pressed to Keep AM Radio in Models

Some EV makers continue to install AM in their models, including Toyota, which said it’s a “challenge” to maintain in EVs.

Credit:

IMAGE: SplitShire

2 min to read


Former administrators of the Federal Emergency Management Agency are imploring carmakers to restore AM radio in their electric models for emergency purposes, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

Brands have eliminated the formerly standard feature from later models because they say the vehicles’ motors produce electromagnetic frequencies on the same wavelength as AM signals, creating interference that leads to signal fading and buzzing sounds.

But ex-FEMA heads say AM is needed in case of emergency so occupants can hear broadcasted safety alerts.

The former executives wrote a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and some congressional committees, pressing them to obtain assurances from carmakers that they’ll include AM radio in EVs.

They said AM is foundational in the federal National Public Warning System that keeps the public informed during natural disasters and extreme weather, continuing to operate when other systems can fail. Cellphone and other internet technology isn’t as reliable, the ex-executives said in the letter.

FEMA said that more than 75 radio stations, most on the AM band and reaching at least 90% of the U.S. population, have backup equipment allowing them to continue broadcasting in an emergency.

Some EV makers continue to install AM in their models, including Toyota, which said it’s a “challenge” to maintain in EVs, the Wall Street Journal said. Others, including Ford, have eliminated it from at least some models.

Industry group the Alliance for Automotive Innovation said it’s committed to protecting access to safety alerts, according to a letter to Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., who wrote EV makers late last year to ask about their plans for AM in EVs, the report indicated. 

 

More Dealer Ops

Dealer Opsby Hannah MitchellAugust 26, 2025

Franchises, Throughput Down in First Half

A handful of states see franchise growth through June, while EV sales per store boost overall business in U.S.

Read More →
SalesAugust 25, 2025

How to Build a High-Performance Sales and F&I Team

Performance and profits start with people chosen and led the right way.

Read More →
Dealer Opsby Hannah MitchellAugust 19, 2025

Buy-Sells Up in Q2

Kerrigan metrics show there’s plenty of demand, though many sellers are waiting to pull the trigger.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
F&Iby StaffApril 2, 2025

DOWC Powers the Future of F&I for NESNA

Company is providing a fully integrated F&I administration model to Nissan Extended Services North America’s dealer network.

Read More →
Industryby StaffMarch 26, 2025

March New-Vehicle Sales Healthy

Despite incentive spending not keeping pace with deliveries volume, consumers make their purchases ahead of tariffs impact.

Read More →
Product & Technologyby StaffMarch 13, 2025

New DOWC Program Debuts

Hybrid solution combines benefits of reinsurance and dealer-owned warranty companies.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Dealer OpsJanuary 15, 2025

Carryover Rate Important for Auto Retailers

Understanding how it plays into inventory risk management is an important consideration.

Read More →
Trainingby StaffJanuary 13, 2025

Dealer Survey Finds Anxieties

Kerrigan Advisors poll shows percentage of retailers expecting lower profits, valuations is on the rise.

Read More →
Industryby StaffDecember 23, 2024

Calif. Dealer Group Challenges Scout Direct Sales

Says VW unit’s plans to sell directly to consumers violate state law.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
IndustryNovember 27, 2024

Six Powerful Questions

Take the time to answer these and lay the groundwork for a successful year-end.

Read More →