How To Listen to AM Radio in an EV
Keep this century-old tech alive in your car with these tips.
Manuel Carrillo III | Capital One
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AM radio has been a stalwart component of the U.S. media landscape for more than 100 years. Today, AM broadcasts are still an important source of local traffic information, talk radio, and sports coverage, and are listened to by millions of drivers across the country. AM radio serves as an analog link to information in a world in which many other sources have gone digital.
The ubiquity of AM radio is under threat, however, due to the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). EV designs present issues with interference and audio quality that gas-powered cars haven't had to deal with. This has led to the auto industry turning away from the AM band. Here's a look at why AM radio is a problem in an EV and how you can still listen to your favorite AM stations even if they're no longer on the dashboard dial of your car.
How To Listen to AM Radio in an EV
If you own an EV that does not feature access to the AM band, there are some workarounds you can try. Some HD radio stations offer AM broadcasts on their multicast channels using a digital signal that is resistant to interference. It's also possible to use online streaming services to access specific radio stations by linking your mobile phone to your EV's infotainment system via Bluetooth. Some radio stations even have their own web-based broadcasts or apps that can also be accessed via a smartphone and listened to in a similar fashion.
What Is Electromagnetic Interference?
All radio transmissions are vulnerable to the disruptive effects of electromagnetic interference. This means nearby power sources — ranging from overhead electrical wires to a vacuum cleaner or microwave oven — can have an impact on being able to receive a clear radio broadcast.
In a gas-powered automobile, the alternator and ignition system serve as the primary sources of electrical interference. Fortunately, the level is typically low, and car companies are able to insulate radio receivers and antennas from distortion or static while listening.
Why Don't Many EVs Have AM Radio?
In an electric vehicle, voltage levels are many times higher than those seen in a gas-powered car or truck. This leads to considerably more radio interference, especially on the AM band, which is more vulnerable to electromagnetic disruption. Early efforts to install AM radio receivers in electric vehicles resulted in a listening experience filled with static and hum. Much more shielding is required in an EV in order to provide the same quality of signal that most drivers are used to, which pushes up production costs.
As a result, a number of automakers began to phase out AM radio from both hybrids and electric vehicles, despite lobbying from the broadcast industry. Tesla once manufactured a version of the Model S with an AM radio but eventually removed it. Currently, the mix of EVs that offer AM is eclectic: Ford and General Motors make it available, but BMW, Porsche, and Volvo do not. This list also reflects the fact that AM radio is considerably less popular in Europe.
