Lawmakers are pushing the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act to ensure all new cars include AM access amid concerns about emergency communication reliability.
Tesla will reportedly be removing AM and FM radio from its low-cost models.
According to MotorTrend and other media outlets, Tesla's 2026 entry-level Model Y Standard and Model 3 Standard trims will not come with either an AM or FM radio.
What we know:
Standard Tesla vehicles from around 2020 and earlier are more likely to have a traditional radio tuner. However, newer models, especially the "Standard" trims, are the ones that have had the hardware removed, according to MotorTrend.
If this is the case, their customers will have to rely on streaming and paired smartphone audio.
"We had seen that there would be a less powerful radio option, but we weren't expecting the loss of a terrestrial radio connection in the Standard trim's content," Motor Trend's Justin Banner wrote.
According to RadioInk, this move would make Tesla the first mainstream auto brand to cut out over-the-air radio entirely.
A spokesperson for the National Association of Broadcasters told FOX Local that automakers like Tesla are putting profits above public safety when they remove local radio.
What they're saying:
"Free, local radio is not a luxury. It is a necessity - especially in times of emergency when internet-based services can be interrupted," a spokesperson for the National Association of Broadcasters told FOX Local. "Last week's widespread internet outage underscored the exact reason why Congress must act swiftly to pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. When digital platforms fail, AM and FM radio remain among the most reliable and resilient communication lifelines we have -- no subscription, login or data plan required."
The spokesperson added, "Removing broadcast radio from vehicles is a disservice to millions of drivers who rely on these stations for trusted news, community connection and emergency alerts."
What we don't know:
Tesla did not respond to FOX Local's request for further comment or additional information.
The backstory:
Tesla announced the features of the models on Oct. 7. The standard connectivity package in a Tesla comes equipped with Bluetooth so that drivers can pair content from their mobile device.
The Model 3 Standard, priced at approximately $38,630, remains the most affordable Tesla 2026 model offered.
According to Tesla's website, the higher-end Model S and Model X 2026 trims receive "premium connectivity" at delivery.
Big picture view:
More than 340 senators and House members are supporting a bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.
This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule requiring AM radio capabilities to be standard in all new passenger vehicles.
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Prior to the rule's effective date, manufacturers that do not include devices that can access AM radio as standard equipment must inform purchasers of this fact through clear and conspicuous labeling and may not charge an additional or separate fee for AM radio access.
According to Edison Research's most recent "Share of Ear" survey, AM/FM Radio continues to make up the largest share of listening, accounting for more than one-third of daily time with audio among those age 13+. The vast majority of that listening (31 percentage points) is to AM/FM over-the-air signals.