Ford to introduce AM radio to EVs, following concerns about emergency notifications

AM radios will be standard on all Ford and Lincoln vehicles starting in 2024.

The next major update to your Ford EV could include some rather old technology. Following negotiations with legislators concerning the emergency warning system, Ford CEO Jim Farley said that the firm will add AM broadcast radio to its 2023 Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning models via a software update. It will also be standard on all Ford and Lincoln vehicles starting in 2024, including the previously announced Mustang coupe.

According to spokesperson Alan Hall, Ford removed AM radio from its 2023 EVs after statistics showed that less than 5% of consumers utilized it. The corporation was also concerned about interference with the EV system, and it was attempting to cut costs while overcoming manufacturing issues. Although AM stations could still be streamed, traditional broadcasts were not available.

The decision comes less than a week after a bipartisan coalition of senators and representatives launched the AM for Every Vehicle Act, which would mandate the older radio format without charging a premium in new cars. They believe that AM is "essential" during emergencies and that removing it could jeopardize public safety. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a trade group that includes Ford, argued the step was unnecessary because the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can transmit alerts via FM, satellite, and streaming.