Congressional Debate on Mandating AM Radio in New Vehicles
In an unexpected legislative move, the U.S. House of Representatives has advanced a bill compelling all new automobiles, including electric vehicles, to incorporate AM radio receivers. This initiative arises amid a decline in AM radio listenership, particularly among younger demographics, and technical hurdles posed by EV powertrains, which can interfere with AM signals. Despite these challenges, lawmakers emphasize AM radio's critical role in emergency communication. The Senate must also pass a similar bill for this proposal to become law, igniting a discussion on balancing technological evolution, consumer demand, and public safety mandates.
Legislative Push for AM Radio in Modern Vehicles
On Thursday, September 20, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill mandating the inclusion of AM radio in all new vehicles. This decision, reported by Axios, is part of a broader, sustained effort by legislators to preserve AM radio, a move that appears particularly noteworthy given the current political climate. The urgency behind this bill has sparked discussions, especially considering the general aversion to regulatory measures typically associated with the Republican-controlled Congress.
Automakers have increasingly opted to exclude AM radio from electric vehicles due to electromagnetic interference generated by EV powertrains, which degrades reception quality. However, as Stephanie Brinley, Associate Director at S&P AutoIntelligence, explained to The Drive, regulatory bodies depend on AM frequencies for disseminating crucial emergency alerts. Furthermore, AM broadcasts offer a free, accessible communication channel for drivers. Brinley noted that this issue extends beyond mere consumer interest, suggesting a deeper governmental rationale.
While it is improbable that the absence of AM radio would deter a buyer from purchasing an EV, Brinley clarified that this overlooks the primary reason U.S. lawmakers are keen on maintaining the frequency's availability, even in electrified models. The legislative push also coincides with ongoing debates around other significant automotive regulations, such as those impacting EV deployment, raising questions about congressional priorities.
Though Congress initiated the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act in 2015 to explore alternative emergency communication systems, a universally agreed-upon notification framework has yet to be established. While a considerable portion of the population now relies on smartphones and digital platforms for information, not everyone has access to or uses these technologies, underscoring the perceived need for traditional broadcast methods.
The demographic trend further complicates the matter. Electric vehicle adoption is more prevalent among younger, tech-savvy individuals who are more likely to utilize digital alternatives for receiving information, including emergency alerts. This demographic shift means that the average EV owner might not recognize the immediate benefit of retaining AM radio. While the regulatory perspective aims for broad public safety, the focus on AM radio appears somewhat anachronistic in an era of rapid technological advancement, prompting debate on whether current legislative efforts truly align with contemporary needs and consumer behavior.
Navigating the Airwaves: A Question of Legacy and Necessity
The congressional push to preserve AM radio in new vehicles, particularly EVs, highlights a fascinating tension between tradition, public safety, and technological progress. On one hand, the concern for emergency broadcasts is valid; not everyone has constant access to digital information, and AM radio has historically served as a reliable fallback during crises. It's a testament to the enduring power of a simple, accessible technology. On the other hand, forcing a legacy technology into modern vehicles, especially when newer, more efficient communication methods exist, feels somewhat akin to mandating rotary phones in every new smart home. It prompts us to consider whether our regulatory frameworks are nimble enough to adapt to technological shifts without sacrificing essential public services. Perhaps the true lesson here isn't about AM radio itself, but about the need for robust, universally accessible emergency communication systems that leverage current technology, rather than clinging to past solutions that are increasingly becoming obsolete. The debate challenges us to innovate solutions that are both forward-looking and inclusive, ensuring no one is left behind in an emergency, regardless of their vehicle choice or digital literacy.