Tesla’s Elimination of both AM and FM Radios in Models Triggers Need to Pass the AM Bill

As legislation moves through Congress to require auto manufacturers to include AM radios in their vehicles, Tesla appears to have expanded to the battle to FM.  According to news reports, Tesla’s 2026 entry-level Model Y Standard and Model 3 Standard trims will not come with either AM or FM radio. According to an article in Motor Trend:  

“Tesla has also simplified the entertainment system (in its Model Y) by reducing it to a seven-speaker system (over the 15 speakers plus subwoofer on the Premium) and it doesn’t list the inclusion of an FM radio connection....

Its (Model 3 Standard) audio system has the same seven-speaker offering on the Premium RWD, but the Standard RWD does not list its FM/AM radio connection.”

In an article in Radio Ink, NAB’s Michelle Lehman stated:

“Automakers like Tesla put profits above public safety when they remove local radio,” wrote NAB Chief of Staff and Executive Vice President of Public Affairs Michelle Lehman.  “Vehicles remain one of the primary places Americans listen to radio each day, and during emergencies, over-the-air radio saves lives.  Streaming over cellular data or internet is vulnerable to network outages and can require subscription fees.”

There is no question that this move will serve as a harbinger of plans by automakers.  Tesla’s move makes it all the more important that the AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act passes Congress.  As we go to press, there are approximately 311 co-sponsors in the House (H.R. 979) and 61 in the Senate (S.315).

You can see the article in Motor Trend here.

A discussion of the issue can be seen in Inside Radio here.

You can see a discussion in Radio Ink here.