Electric cars threaten future of AM radio and maybe local radio news, but overcoming interference is possible

Rush hour in Chicago. Many AM radio listeners tune in during
commutes. (Photo by Alyssa Schukar, The New York Times)

Amplitude modulation transmissions, or AM radio, may be on its way out, which is bad news for local news in places that still have local radio news. "An increasing number of electric models have dropped AM radio in what broadcasters call a worrisome shift that could spell trouble for the stations and deprive drivers of a crucial source of news in emergencies," reports Michael Levenson of The New York Times.

"Carmakers say that electric vehicles generate more electromagnetic interference than gas-powered cars, which can disrupt the reception of AM signals and cause static, noise and a high-frequency hum," Levenson writes. AM and electricity are similar forms of electromagnetism. "Tesla, Audi, Porsche and Volvo have also removed AM radio from their electric vehicles, as has Volkswagen from its electric S.U.V., ID.4, according to the carmakers and the National Association of Broadcasters."

It is possible to overcome the interference issues, Levenson reports: "Such changes require money and effort, and it’s not clear whether carmakers are willing to spend more in the service of AM radio fans. . . . If more electric vehicles drop AM radio, some broadcasters say they could lose a connection to their core listeners."

AM stations have a healthy percentage of the U.S. radio market. "About 47 million Americans listen to AM radio, representing about 20 percent of the radio-listening public, according to the Nielsen Co., the media tracking firm," Levenson reports.

"Brian Winnekins, the owner of WRDN in Durand, Wis., which has seven hours of farm-related programming every weekday on AM and FM, told Levenson he has been urging listeners to tell carmakers not to drop AM, noting that it can reach farmers in remote areas. “If you can make a vehicle drive by itself,” Mr. Winnekins said to Levenson, referring to the driver-assistance systems in Teslas and other vehicles, “you can make a decent radio receiver."