Ford is offering a software update for its electric vehicles (EVs) that lack AM radio capabilities, following the company’s decision last year to eliminate AM radio from its cars and trucks.
Ford CEO Jim Farley confirmed the move, stating, “For any owners of Ford EVs without AM broadcast capability, we’ll offer a software update.” The update is already available and will be rolled out gradually across the United States.
Although Ford has not disclosed the exact number of vehicles that will receive the update, it appears to primarily affect the 2023 Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning electric pickups. Both of these models included AM radio as a standard feature in their 2021 and 2022 versions.
Data collected from Ford vehicles showed that fewer than 5% of customers were using AM radio, leading the company to drop the feature initially. However, last year, Ford decided to reintroduce AM radio to its 2024 Ford and Lincoln lineup after consulting with policymakers regarding AM radio’s role in emergency alert systems.
While Ford has confirmed plans to include AM radio in its 2024 models, the company has not revealed its long-term intentions for future years. Some automakers, such as Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Land Rover, Jaguar, Mitsubishi, and Honda (in collaboration with General Motors), have expressed their commitment to retaining AM radio in their EVs. On the other hand, Mazda, Tesla, Volkswagen, and Toyota have chosen not to reintroduce AM radio to their EVs or have cited electromagnetic interference as a challenge.
In parallel, there is growing support among Republicans in Congress for a law that would mandate AM radio in vehicles. This legislation aims to ensure the emergency broadcast capabilities of AM radio are preserved and to support conservative voices that continue to rely on the platform. If this law is enacted, the Department of Transportation would require AM radio accessibility in all motor vehicles sold, manufactured, or imported into the United States, while the Government Accountability Office would assess alternative communication systems for emergency alerts.
