Posted on 05/24/2023 10:55:54 AM PDT by ShadowAce
Ford is reversing course on AM radio.
In a tweet today, CEO Jim Farley announced the company was backing off its decision to release new vehicles without AM radio broadcast capabilities. Instead, all 2024 Ford and Lincoln models will be able to tune in to AM radio. And for the two electric vehicles released without AM radio capabilities, a software update would be pushed to restore it.
The announcement came after Farley said he spoke with policy leaders on the “importance of AM broadcast radio as a part of the emergency alert system.” A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation in Washington last week that would require automakers to keep AM radio in all their vehicles. The bill was proposed in response to an increasing number of vehicles coming out without the first-generation radio broadcast technology.
Automakers are leaving out AM radio from their electric vehicles, in particular, citing possible electromagnetic interference with an EV powertrain. AM, which stands for amplitude modulation, differs from FM, or frequency modulation, based on how the carrier wave is modulated, or altered. Unlike frequency, amplitude can be affected by the noise emitted from electric devices, including smartphones, TVs, computers, and, yes, electric vehicles. The problem is when the interference gets picked up by the radio, which can lead to distortion and crackling.
Automakers generally see AM radio as an obsolete technology, arguing that there exist other technologies such as internet streaming, HD radio delivered on FM bands, or some apps that provide AM content that will make up for the absence of AM radio in vehicles.
Automakers are leaving out AM radio from their electric vehicles, in particular, citing possible electromagnetic interference with an EV powertrain
Farley said that Ford would continue to explore these new technologies, even as it goes about reinstalling AM radio in its vehicles. “[W]e will continue to innovate to deliver even better in-vehicle entertainment and emergency notification options in the future,” he said in his tweet.
A number of automakers have come out in favor of ditching AM radio from their cars, including BMW, Mazda, Polestar, Rivian, Tesla, Volkswagen, and Volvo. And the Zero Emission Transportation Association, which lobbies on behalf of EV makers, argued that the legislation mandating AM radio would “slow innovation and reduce consumer preference.”
But the bill’s supporters claim that AM radio is irreplaceable. AM radio operates at lower frequencies and longer wavelengths, enabling it to pass through solid objects and travel further than other radio waves, a feature not shared by FM broadcasts. FEMA uses AM radio to broadcast critical safety alerts to the public, they note.
Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), a cosponsor on the legislation, applauded Ford’s decision to keep AM radio in its cars. “Ford’s reversal reflects an overdue realization about the importance of AM radio, but too many automakers are still going the wrong direction,” he said in a statement.
Radio killed the video star?
Long for Rush.
So, Ford’s assertion that EV motors interfere with AM radio reception was a lie? Seems about right.
According to a purple haired liberal neighbor of mine, AM radio is all right wing and bible thumping hate speech.
I’ve given up and just avoid conversations with her. Pointless.
Most radio talk shows are on AM.
Hmmm...
Seems like somebody at Ford hates talk radio, especially the conservative talk shows.
It’s a roundabout way to kill ‘right wing’ radio, which democrats hate so much.
I haven’t listened to AM radio since RUSH left us way to early.
There’s not one station that I can find that plays easy listening in my area.
I tried listening to a near-by station who advertises as classic country. Which is anything but “classic’.
Think I’ll just Sirius / XM again for the car.
Was Ford trying to suck up to the communists?
Ford owners need as many listening alternatives as they can get while they’re waiting for the tow truck to arrive.
FM has a much shorter range than AM.
Cell tower coverage exists in the cities and along major highways, but it isn’t universal and never will be.
Satellites provide universal coverage, but are not free.
I generally wish I didn’t have to resort to AM when driving cross country, but I still do.
When buying a car - if all other things are basically equal - I would go with the car with AM radio. Ando so would million of other people like me.
FORD needs to understand that most of us (outside of Democrat hellhole cities) don’t listen to NPR... or cut off our son’s dicks, or drink Busch Light...
When buying a car - if all other things are basically equal - I would go with the car with AM radio. And so would millions of other people like me.
FORD needs to understand most of us (outside of Democrat hellhole cities) don’t listen to NPR... or cut off our son’s dicks, or drink Busch Light...
They can choose both groups by offing FM and AM or they can choose democrat ‘elites’ by offering only FM. Why only the ‘elties’ ? Because the democrat base is black and they’re not into NPR either.
On quiet nights in the summer we would sit outdoors and listen to it rust.
My dad is fixing one up for my mom.
Why she wanted the thing I will never understand.
None of the Japanese brands are dropping AM radio, nor Hyundai/Kia, nor GM.
There you go folks, money talks, we have the power. Just look at Bud and Target.
AM radio interference is an old, old problem. Back in the day, I worked in a 12v automotive accessory sales and install business.
Overcoming such interference was as easy as installing the proper filters in the power lines to the audio equipment.
Also, getting power for the radio is best done from the battery itself rather than the alternator...the source of the noise.
No alternator as such on an EV but then the proper filters should easily isolate any EM noise coming from the drive motor(s).
So, Ford is full of shite.
“Why she wanted the thing I will never understand.”
Because, they were actually excellent and dependable gas mileage cars. I had two, put 375k on both before they needed to be rebuilt. And even then the block only needed to be bored 20 thousands over.
Piing
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