Do EV cars have AM radio?
Short answer: it depends on the model and market; many electric vehicles still include AM radio among their built‑in tuners, but some do not, and others rely on FM, digital radio, or streaming instead. Availability can vary by year, region, and software updates.
What follows is a detailed look at how AM radio fits into electric vehicles, the engineering and regional factors at play, and practical guidance for buyers and owners.
What AM radio means for electric vehicles
AM radio is the oldest continuous form of radio broadcasting and uses a different receiver technology than FM or digital services. In EVs, the presence of AM radio hinges on carrier hardware, antenna design, shielding from electromagnetic interference, and the automaker’s feature set. Because EV propulsion and power electronics can generate EMI, some manufacturers have weighed the benefits of including AM against the cost and engineering challenges. In regions where AM remains a public safety and information channel, automakers tend to preserve it; where digital or streaming options dominate, AM may be deemphasized or removed.
Technical considerations and EMI
Electric drivetrains, inverters, and high‑voltage systems can emit noise that historically made AM reception more challenging in some vehicles. To maintain reliable AM reception, engineers must implement shielding, filtering, and carefully designed antennas. These adjustments add cost and complexity, which can influence a model’s radio lineup.
Regional radio standards and expectations
Radio ecosystems differ by region. In the United States, AM broadcasting remains a legacy medium with some stations providing important local content and emergency alerts, but the market increasingly emphasizes FM, HD Radio, and streaming. In Europe, DAB/DAB+ has become the dominant digital standard, and AM is far less common in new cars. In parts of Asia and other regions, a mix of AM, FM, and digital or internet streams exists, with regional preferences shaping what manufacturers include in EVs.
Current landscape by region
Below is a snapshot of how AM radio appears in EVs across major markets. The exact availability can vary by model year, trim level, and software updates, so buyers should verify with the dealer or on the official spec sheet for the specific vehicle.
- United States and Canada: AM radio remains an option in many mainstream models, often bundled with FM and digital options. Some EVs have emphasized streaming apps or HD Radio; others still offer a traditional AM tuner depending on the trim and year.
- Europe and United Kingdom: AM reception is less common in many new EVs as DAB/DAB+ and FM continue to be standard or preferred. Some models still include AM, but it is less likely to be a primary feature in many portfolios.
- Asia-Pacific and other regions: Availability varies widely by manufacturer and model. Some markets prioritize FM and digital services, while others retain AM for legacy listening and local emergency broadcasts.
In practice, the presence of AM radio in EVs is highly model‑ and market‑specific. If AM radio is a priority, buyers should confirm the exact receiver configuration for their chosen vehicle and year.
Buying tips: how to verify AM radio in your EV
Use this checklist to determine whether a given EV will include AM radio and to understand your alternatives if it does not.
- Check official specifications: Look for mentions of AM, FM, HD Radio, DAB/DAB+, or streaming capabilities in the infotainment or radio section of the brochure or online spec sheet.
- Ask the dealer for the exact receiver type: Some cars use standard AM/FM tuners; others may rely on internet streaming or satellite services for most audio content.
- Assess your needs for emergency alerts and local news: If AM is specifically important for weather or emergency information in your area, verify reception characteristics and available alternatives (e.g., emergency alert apps, streaming news).
- Test the system in person if possible: Check AM reception in your neighborhood or typical drive routes to gauge performance before purchase.
Even when AM is absent, many EVs offer robust alternatives such as FM, HD Radio where supported, digital streaming apps, and satellite radio. The best choice depends on your listening habits and connectivity availability.
Notable considerations for owners and drivers
As technology evolves, automakers periodically update infotainment capabilities via over‑the‑air (OTA) updates. A car purchased with or without AM radio could gain or lose related features in the future, depending on regional regulations, service plans, and consumer demand. If AM radio is a must‑have feature for you, verify current specifications and inquire about future update plans with the manufacturer.
Summary
AM radio in electric vehicles is not universal. While many mainstream EVs still include AM receivers, some models and regions emphasize FM, digital radio, or streaming services instead. Buyers should verify the exact radio configuration for their vehicle and year, consider regional differences in radio standards, and weigh practical alternatives for listening and emergency information. As always, the landscape can shift with OTA software updates, so checking the latest official specifications remains the best practice.
Bottom line
For most buyers, the presence or absence of AM radio in an EV should not be a deal‑breaker if the model offers reliable alternatives and strong connectivity. If AM is essential, ask for the current radio specification, test performance locally, and confirm any plans to update or restore AM reception in the vehicle’s lifecycle.
