Overview
- The House approved the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act this week and sent it to the Senate; the measure would require every new passenger vehicle to include an AM tuner at no extra charge and direct NHTSA to write a safety standard with a compliance window for manufacturers.
- Automakers warn electric vehicles present a technical problem because rapidly switching currents in motors and power electronics can create electromagnetic noise that produces buzzing, whining, or static on AM bands.
- Engineers can reduce that interference by adding shielding, signal filters, relocated antennas, or revised receiver hardware but industry groups say those fixes add design complexity and significant cost.
- Estimates differ sharply: an industry-funded Center for Automotive Research study put mitigation costs in the billions while supporters and some budget analyses say the government cost work is smaller, and the bill has attracted hundreds of bipartisan co-sponsors.
- Broadcasters and emergency-response advocates, including high-profile station owners, argue AM’s long reach and ability to work without cell service kept communities informed during disasters such as Superstorm Sandy and 9/11 and would preserve a backup channel for lifesaving alerts.