Bye-Bye AM Radio! High levels of EMFs in cars significantly disrupt AM radio reception.
Ford Motor Company announced it will be dropping AM radios from many of its electric vehicles starting in the 2024 model year because of poor signals and audio quality, because of the interference from high levels of elecromagnetic frequencies. And, right behind them are BMW, Porsche, Audi, Volvo, Tesla and GM.
Why Doesn't AM Work in EVs?
High-voltage components in EVs, such as the motor, battery and inverter, emit electromagnetic radiation, and manufacturers are telling us that the high level of this radiation interferes with the AM radio signals, causing static and reduced reception quality. Like our bodies, AM radio signals are particularly sensitive to electromagnetic interference, and they require proper shielding to maintain good reception. In traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, the engine and other components provide some level of shielding, but the shielding in EVs are not enough for AM radios and certainly not enough for our bodies.
Although there are benefits to owning an EV, such as reduced noise and lack of harmful pollutants coming from the tailpipe, the high level of radiation is concerning. Even non-EVs are surrounded by high levels of EMFs coming from our Bluetooth, phone, radio, GPS, and other components.
How to Stay Safe in EVs
If AM broadcasting signals are impacted, what is happening to our health when we can be in our cars for countless hours a day? EMFs have been associated with chronic pain and health issues, such as brain fog, cancer, cellular damage, and more. What can we do to protect ourselves and our family?
The stone shungite is a good place to start because of the carbon molecule called the Fullerene molecule. Fullerenes attract and neutralize unnatural elements in the environment (such as electromagnetic emissions) that surround us. Learn more about the benefits Shungite and what makes it so unique. Shungite can be worn as jewelry or even hung in the car as protection décor.
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So back to AM radio. Who listens to AM radio anyway and what's the big deal?
AM radio has been used for many years as an Emergency Broadcasting System because it operates on a lower frequency that emits through solid structures and has a much further bandwidth than FM radio.
AM radio also plays a vital role in from keeping small, rural audiences together who don't have access to a strong bandwidth or internet to major cities to connect with news, sports, entertainment and weather. Most importantly, the Emergency Broadcast System always uses AM radio as a means to disperse important news and information that have natural disasters, such as South Florida in particular for hurricane evacuations and updates.
Automakers argue that this shouldn't be a problem at all because people will still be able to stream AM from their smartphones. This is partially correct, because there are still many areas around the country that still rely on AM radio for listening because of poor reception or can not afford streaming services and when it comes to emergency situations the cellphone, streaming and FM radio is the first to go out and it could be from days to weeks to months before they are up and going again.
Automakers such as Honda, Toyota and Nissan have not mentioned any changes as of yet but and since the automobile industry technology is rapidly changing with EV's the AM phase out has already begun for 2024 models for the majority of the industry.
Many politicians, broadcasting and news as well as much of the informed public are very concerned about the future of AM radio and its effect on communities and over-all safety, especially since the Biden Administration has a goal of making 50% of all vehicles EV by 2030.
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act is up for consideration in Congress and will ensures Americans who depend on AM radio for news, entertainment and critical safety information can continue to have access to this reliable medium.
Take action now - tell your member of Congress to help keep free, local AM radio in the car!
In February 2023, seven former FEMA members drafted a letter and sent it to the Department of Transportation advocating for FM
Nathan Simington, FCC Commissioner, inspired by the former FEMA members letter to keep AM radio available also sent a letter to the Department of Transportation
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