Ford to Discontinue AM Radios in Most New Vehicles Starting in 2024

[Elderberry]

Breitbart by Lucas Nolan 3 Apr 2023

Ford plans to drop AM radios from most of its new vehicles starting in 2024, raising concerns about public safety communication. The automaker had previously announced plans to drop the AM radio from its electric vehicles due to “interference” between the electric drive train and AM reception.

The Detroit Free Press reports that beginning in 2024, Ford will no longer offer AM radio in the majority of its newly released gas and electric-powered vehicles.

Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood told the Detroit Free Press: “We are transitioning from AM radio for most new and updated 2024 models. A majority of U.S. AM stations, as well as a number of countries and automakers globally, are modernizing radio by offering internet streaming through mobile apps, FM, digital and satellite radio options. Ford will continue to offer these alternatives for customers to hear their favorite AM radio music, news and podcasts as we remove amplitude modulation — the definition of AM in this case — from most new and updated models we bring to market.”

Sherwood said that commercial vehicles will still offer AM radio despite these changes due to established contract language. Ford’s decision is in line with that of other automakers, including Volvo and German firms, which have already abandoned AM radio in their electric vehicles. For many years, Tesla, for example, hasn’t included AM radio in its all-electric vehicles.

Mike Ramsey, an analyst with Stamford, Connecticut-based Gartner Research Group, commented: “In essence, EV motors generate a lot of electromagnetic interference that affects the frequencies of AM radio and make it difficult to get a clear signal. It could be shielded, but given the diminishing listening habits to AM, the automakers haven’t chosen to do it. Most of the content there is available through other means, including podcast and internet streaming. In my view, this isn’t that different from automakers discontinuing 8-track players, cassette players and CD players. Technology has advanced. The idea that it is a critical safety channel is a bit suspect given that almost all critical communication now is sent through mobile phones.”

More: https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2023/04/03/ford-to-discontinue-am-radios-in-most-new-vehicles-starting-in-2024/

[Smokin Joe]

The idea that it is a critical safety channel is a bit suspect given that almost all critical communication now is sent through mobile phones.”

But messing with your phone while driving in many states is a moving violation.

AM--the home of talk radio...

If the RFI hairball from EVs is that bad, what effect is it having on drivers and passengers?

[mountaineer]

This just in:

Ford reported that it’s going to lose $3 billion on electric cars in 2023.

Unlike most automakers, Ford reports its electric vehicle numbers separately, but experts estimate that most car companies are losing similar amounts on the dead end business.

Ford’s investment in Rivian’s electric cars can’t be helping. Last year the startup electric pickup truck maker was spending$220,000 to make the electric vehicles that it sells for $81,000. ...

Daniel Greenfield

[Kamaji]

The idea that it is a critical safety channel is a bit suspect given that almost all critical communication now is sent through mobile phones.”

But messing with your phone while driving in many states is a moving violation.

AM--the home of talk radio...

If the RFI hairball from EVs is that bad, what effect is it having on drivers and passengers?

Probably not very much.

[Elderberry]

The idea that it is a critical safety channel is a bit suspect given that almost all critical communication now is sent through mobile phones.”

But messing with your phone while driving in many states is a moving violation.

AM--the home of talk radio...

If the RFI hairball from EVs is that bad, what effect is it having on drivers and passengers?

Complex Electromagnetic Issues Associated with the Use of Electric Vehicles in Urban Transportation


https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8914635/

Abstract

The electromagnetic field (EMF) in electric vehicles (EVs) affects not only drivers, but also passengers (using EVs daily) and electronic devices inside. This article summarizes the measurement methods applicable in studies of complex EMF in EVs focused on the evaluation of characteristics of such exposure to EVs users and drivers, together with the results of investigations into the static magnetic field (SMF), the extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF) and radiofrequency (RF) EMF related to the use of the EVs in urban transportation. The investigated EMF components comply separately with limits provided by international labor law and guidelines regarding the evaluation of human short-term exposure; however other issues need attention—electromagnetic immunity of electronic devices and long-term human exposure. The strongest EMF was found in the vicinity of direct current (DC) charging installations—SMF up to 0.2 mT and ELF magnetic field up to 100 µT—and inside the EVs—up to 30 µT close to its internal electrical equipment. Exposure to RF EMF inside the EVs (up to a few V/m) was found and recognized to be emitted from outdoor radiocommunications systems, together with emissions from sources used inside vehicles, such as passenger mobile communication handsets and antennas of Wi-Fi routers.