US House Passes Bill Requiring AM Radio in New Cars, Citing Emergency AlertImportance
Washington, D.C. – The US House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committeehas passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024, mandating that all new cars sold in the United States must include AM radio functionality. Thebill, which passed with a vote of 45 to 2, now awaits a final vote by the full House.
The legislation, driven byconcerns about the potential loss of AM radio’s crucial role in emergency broadcasts, aims to ensure that drivers have access to vital information during natural disasters or other critical events.
The bill directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) toissue regulations requiring car manufacturers to include AM radio in their vehicle designs and guarantee that this feature is not subject to additional charges. Until these regulations are implemented, car manufacturers selling vehicles without AM radio must disclose this fact to potential buyers.
Supporters ofthe bill argue that the gradual decline of AM radio could leave people without access to critical information during emergencies. They point to the increasing number of car manufacturers, including Tesla, Polestar, Rivian, Ford, Mazda, and BMW, who have recently introduced models without AM radio functionality, citing reasons such as susceptibility to interferenceand perceived poor user experience.
As hurricane season approaches, it is more important than ever to ensure that this life-saving communication tool remains in cars, said Senator Ed Markey, a co-sponsor of the bill.
However, critics argue that the bill could increase production costs for electric vehicles, particularly aselectric motors can generate electromagnetic interference that may require significant adjustments to the powertrain and vehicle design.
Electric vehicle companies will have to undertake major powertrain and vehicle redesigns because electric motors generate a certain level of electromagnetic interference, said Albert Gore, Executive Director of the Zero Emission Transportation Association.
The debate over thefuture of AM radio in vehicles mirrors a broader conversation about the evolving landscape of media consumption. While AM radio has historically served as a vital source of news and emergency information, its popularity has declined in recent years, with many listeners turning to digital platforms for their news and entertainment.
The US House bill’s passage comes amidst asimilar initiative in China. In September 2024, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) opened a public consultation on a revised national standard for in-vehicle wireless radio reception systems. The MIIT emphasized the importance of these systems in ensuring the rapid and effective dissemination of official emergency informationduring critical situations.
The future of AM radio in vehicles remains uncertain. While the US House bill represents a significant step towards preserving its role in emergency broadcasts, the potential cost implications and the evolving media landscape may lead to further debate and discussion. The final outcome of this legislation will have a significant impact on the automotive industry and theaccessibility of emergency information for drivers across the United States.
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