Automakers began dropping AM radio from electric vehicles because of electrical interference, and drivers noticed the gap. The House passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act on September 16, 2026, though the Senate and a presidential signature are still required. Here are twelve cars that were sold without AM radio, from the first to restore it to some that left it out.
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1. Ford F-150 Lightning: The Restored Signal
Ford said on May 23, 2023 that it would add AM radio back to retail F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E EVs by over-the-air update, and keep it in every 2024 Ford and Lincoln. The Ford announcement on retaining AM radio spelled out the reversal.
The Lightning shows how a missing feature can be fixed after the sale, at least for trucks that can receive software updates. Ford’s move also marked a notable turn, since the company had been moving AM out of its EVs.
2. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Part Of The Phase-Out
The Mustang Mach-E was part of Ford’s AM phase-out before the reversal, and the bill the House passed on Sept. 16, 2026 would have DOT require AM in new cars and, until then, a window-sticker disclosure, as described by this autoevolution report. The electric crossover is therefore tied to both the phase-out and the rule that followed.
The sticker provision would tell buyers up front whether a car includes AM, which matters to drivers who rely on it for local news and emergency alerts. Ford’s reversal shows that the feature can return.
3. Tesla Model 3: Standard Trim, No Tuners
Tesla’s 2026 Standard Model 3 drops both the AM and FM tuners, according to a SWLing post on the 2026 Tesla trims. That means the trim has no broadcast radio of any kind, rather than just losing one band.
Owners of this trim would depend on streaming or other sources for audio instead of broadcast reception, even for local stations. Drivers who like to tune in on long trips or during storms should check the specifications before ordering.
4. Tesla Model Y: Same Cut, Bigger Crossover
The 2026 Standard Model Y also loses its AM and FM tuners entirely, the same SWLing report on the trims says. The change places the crossover alongside the Model 3 as a trim without any broadcast tuner.
Because the crossover is a mainstream model, the change could reach many drivers. Anyone relying on AM or FM for traffic and weather updates would need another way to receive them, such as a phone connection.
5. BMW i3: An Early Electric Without AM
BMW’s i3 electric line had no AM radio from its 2014 model on, and BMW was one of seven automakers that told Sen. Ed Markey in 2023 it sold EVs without AM, as the 10TV Verify story on disappearing AM radio reports. The i3 was an early example.
The i3 shows that AM radio was disappearing from electric cars years before the issue reached Congress. Shoppers considering a used i3 should expect to rely on FM or streaming.
6. Rivian R1T: Adventure Truck, Different Dial
Rivian was among the seven automakers that told Markey’s 2023 survey they were selling EVs without broadcast AM radio, according to the 10TV Verify report on EVs and AM. The R1T is the company’s electric pickup.
For a truck marketed to people who drive far from cities, losing a long-range AM signal is a notable gap. Rural listeners often depend on AM stations when other signals are weak, which is part of why the issue drew attention from lawmakers.
7. Polestar 2: Electric-Only Brand, No AM
Polestar, an all-electric brand, also told Markey it sold EVs without AM, while broadcasters say more than 80 million Americans listen to AM each month, as the 10TV Verify article explains. The Polestar 2 is the brand’s best-known model.
The figure explains why broadcasters pushed Congress to act, since each car without AM removes a potential listener. Drivers of the Polestar 2 would hear FM and streaming but not AM stations.
8. Mazda MX-30: Electric Hatch, Quiet Dial
Mazda, maker of the electric MX-30, was one of the seven automakers in Markey’s survey selling EVs without AM radio, according to this 10TV Verify report. The MX-30 is the company’s small electric crossover, which makes it a fitting example of the trend.
The inclusion of a mainstream Japanese brand shows the practice was not limited to startups. Anyone shopping for a small EV should confirm which audio sources a given car actually offers, including whether any broadcast band is missing.
9. Volkswagen ID.4: Family EV Without AM
The all-electric 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was not available with AM radio, as the Consumer Guide article on terrestrial radio notes. That put a mainstream electric crossover in the same group as luxury brands.
The ID.4 aims at families and commuters, many of whom listen to local stations during the drive. Missing AM means that audience has to rely on FM, satellite or streaming apps, which can cost extra or depend on a phone signal.
10. Porsche Taycan: Luxury Sedan, No AM
Porsche left AM out of the Taycan’s standard equipment when the electric sedan arrived, the Consumer Guide report on electric cars and radio says. A high price did not guarantee a full set of radio bands.
The Taycan shows that the omission was not only a cost-cutting move on cheaper cars. Buyers at this price level may be surprised that a basic feature was not included from the start, and would need to check any optional equipment.
11. Audi e-tron: The e-tron Pioneer
No Audi full-electric model came with AM radio reception, led by the e-tron, according to the Consumer Guide article on radio in EVs. The statement covers the whole electric lineup rather than a single model, so shoppers should not expect a later Audi EV to differ.
For an automaker with a long history of premium audio, the absence of AM stands out. Drivers who want broadcast AM in an Audi would need to look at a model with a combustion engine.
12. Volvo XC40 Recharge: Interference Concerns
Volvo omitted AM from the electric XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge, citing potential interference, the Consumer Guide piece on the end of terrestrial radio notes. The explanation matches the one the article gives for the broader trend, and both Volvo models were affected.
Electric motors and power electronics can produce noise that disrupts AM reception, which is why engineers raised the issue. The House bill would require automakers to keep AM in new cars, so engineers would have to solve that problem rather than drop the band.
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