US House Passes Legislation Requiring AM Radio in New Vehicles

The US House of Representatives has approved the 'AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act,' a bill that would mandate the inclusion of AM radio receivers in all new cars, trucks, and SUVs at no additional cost. The legislation, which now moves to the Senate, aims to preserve AM radio as a critical communication lifeline during national emergencies when cellular and internet networks may fail. This move directly challenges the recent industry trend among manufacturers like Tesla, Volvo, BMW, and Rivian, who have increasingly phased out AM radio in favor of digital streaming and Bluetooth connectivity. Automakers argue that electric motor interference complicates AM signal reception, but proponents emphasize the technology's importance for rural communities and emergency alerts. If passed into law, the bill would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to establish new standards, potentially forcing EV manufacturers to overhaul their current infotainment hardware strategies.