AM radio phased out in some EVs

[mmckenna]

I feel that, like it or not, EVs of some sort are the future, but I will agree that there are numerous problems with them, and that people are pushing them out a bit too soon.

Innovation is a good thing, but not everyone wants to be on the bleeding edge of technology.
There are absolutely some applications where fossil fuel powered vehicles are the right choice. Vehicles that tow a lot/frequently, long distance hauling.
And then there's applications where electric makes a lot of sense, like commuting, short distance driving, local delivery, etc.

I do think pollution from cars is a big problem,

It's a big deal in urban areas, but keep in mind, that smog blows in the wind...
I grew up in California in the 1970's. Not being able to see across the valley was pretty standard. When new emission regulations took effect, the impact was easy to see. Where hills/mountains were not visible before, they suddenly were there.

but I'm not going to rush out and buy an EV any time soon because:

• They have an unfortunate tendency to burst into flames for no obvious reasons (usually caused by defects in the battery or charging circuitry)

True, but it's not as common as some would like you to think. It probably happens as much as fossil fuel powered vehicles.
But, when they do go up, putting them out is a major issue.

• They tend to slam their brakes randomly and speed themselves into walls, other cars, and people once in awhile (this applies exclusively to some recent Tesla models. So far...)

That's not an electric vehicle issue. That's a self driving issue. The technology isn't there, and I'm not sure it'll be for a very long time. It's proven itself to be faulty. Unfortunately there are individuals that are really pushing it, and pushing way too hard. Those individuals are the same guys that cannot admit when they are wrong.

• And, as mentioned, the process of mining lithium and other materials for building batteries is rather energy intensive, and actually erases a significant reduction on overall pollution

That is an issue, but I suspect that will change. Current battery technology is lagging behind. It'll catch up, eventually. There are new battery technologies in development that are much more environmentally friendly. They just need to be upsized to work in this application. Then the price needs to come down to make it affordable. It'll happen.

Then, there's the matter of radio interference.

Is there a list of EV models that include AM radios and those which don't? So far, someone said they have a Bolt EV, and that it has a decent AM radio, so that proves that at least some Bolt EVs have AM, and that interference from an EV drive train need not make AM receptiom impossible, so, why is this a problem?

I'm willing to bet that it's primarily Teslas that are omitting AM from their radios, because it's sort of their MO to not care if their EVs break AM; rather than fix the interference problem, they'll simply pretend that AM doesn't exist.

Not sure if there is a list, I'm sure the info is out there.
This is a economics issue. The interference can be addressed. It just costs money. Manufacturers are constantly looking at bottom lines and how they can boost stock holder dividends. Unfortunately, that has taken priority in some companies.

Less people listen to AM radio, there are just better things out there. FM, satellite, streaming services, etc.
AM has gone down hill in most areas. Annoying talk shows, political B.S. (both sides…), nothing but sports, etc. There are good AM stations out there, and AM is a great tool for covering wide areas. It's just falling out of favor.
While Europe may be shutting down a lot of AM broadcasting, that is something that makes sense there. In the wide open spaces of the US West, it's not going to happen as easily.

But, the technology….
The interference issues can be addressed. Consumers just need to make it known. Manufacturers will focus on profits, until something starts cutting into those profits...
My wife drove a hybrid Ford Escape for about 11 years. Never once had an issue with AM reception in that vehicle, nor on the VHF mobile. Even in electric only mode, no issue, no noise.

I'm willing to bet that it's primarily Teslas that are omitting AM from their radios, because it's sort of their MO to not care if their EVs break AM; rather than fix the interference problem, they'll simply pretend that AM doesn't exist.

It's not just Tesla that has eliminated AM radio. I think the newer BMW's have done it also.
And I've been behind large electric buses that were spewing out a lot of AM interference….

That said, I'm going to keep our old gas cars — and their AM radios — around for as long as I can.

I do a fair amount of towing, and a Diesel F350 works well for that. I'm going to hang on to that truck for a long time, but their will likely be large Diesel fuel options for a long time to come. Electric isn't good for that application. The F-150 LIghtning towing issues are not surprising, and I'm not sure why anyone would think it would be. It -can- tow, just not as well as the fossil fuel counterparts. But not everyone needs to tow large trailers long distances, shorter distance/smaller trailers are a popular choice for some users.

I'm sure an electric vehicle is in my future, probably for my wife, and probably 10 years or so down the line.

 

[kruser]

That's not an electric vehicle issue. That's a self driving issue. The technology isn't there, and I'm not sure it'll be for a very long time. It's proven itself to be faulty. Unfortunately there are individuals that are really pushing it, and pushing way too hard. Those individuals are the same guys that cannot admit when they are wrong.

How true this statement is.
Same goes with the reliance on GPS. If GPS is hacked or fails for some reason, you'll see cars all over the place where the drivers have no clue how to get to their destination.

 

[MTS2000des]

Broadcast radio will disappear from all dashboards. Not just AM, FM too. As I stated before, the desire to bundle SAS mandatory subscriptions has permeated the auto industry, and not just for info-tainment. The writing is on the wall. When that happens, OTA radio as we know it is done. The car is the one last holdout for corporate broadcasters to get a captive audience, once that is taken away, it won't really have a way to survive on ad revenue alone.

Call it a natural progression of technology, but it has it's influence by mega-corporations who control the content can't be ignored. It all started about 3 decades ago with the beginning of conglomeration of the content industry. The delivery method (technology) has now caught up to make any content a mandatory subscription based service. Consumers have been gaslit to be used to it.

Even though OTA DTV is free, how many people actually have antennas up? They think they "have" to pay for cable, satellite, streaming, et al? Same thing with music services. People gladly pay for Pandora, Spotify, SXM, Apple Music, etc hundreds a year for content they can get free on OTA radio.

Well played folks. Enjoy free OTA radio and TV while it lasts. Only so long it can survive on dying audiences and dwindling ad revenue alone.

 

[12dbsinad]

But, hey, it's fun to be outraged by new technology. Everyone knows it is evil and no good will ever come from it. America was built by never taking chances and never being a leader in technology. I need to go feed my oxen, now.

I think most have no problems with technology. The problem is when Government gets involved and forces pre-mature technology like EV's upon it's citizens, exactly what places like California are doing. Besides, who says battery technology will be the end all be all technology for ICE replacement? America didn't ban horses and Oxen and some still choose to use them to this day.

 

[N4JKD]

Not a smart move IMO. The last time I listened to AM radio, I heard a lot of Spanish speaking stations, which tells me there are stations out there for Hispanics to listen to, and to cut AM stations out of vehicles would end mobile entertainment for those who want to hear these channels, and essentially force them to subscribe to streaming services or satellite radio, unless that is the ultimate goal

 

[ka3aaa]

well i guess there is no electric vehicle in my future then, and when the dealer asks why, id simply tell them there is no am radio in it, see ya.

the next thing you know there wont be a steering wheel installed, then i'll fly my helicopter.

 

[cc333]

the next thing you know there wont be a steering wheel installed, then i'll fly my helicopter.

With the way they've been pushing self driving and autonomous cars so hard the past few years, this very well could happen sooner than we realize.

c

 

[GROL]

Emissions are much cleaner in North America, Western Europe and highly developed countries in Asia.This is why we don't see pollution in the skies any longer, but they sure do elsewhere. Even deisel emissions are much cleaner, and factories have effective scrubbers. Much of what people think is pollution in North America is water vapor in the air. We were so used to seeing smog in the 70's, many still think they often see it. There is some occasionally probably blowing in from China, but still mostly water vapor. The Blue Ridge mountains were called the Blue Ridge long before smog. The haze we still see is water vapor. The prevailing problem is with the rest of the world, especially China and India and much of Russia, where there are little or no emissions controls. Electric vehicles in the developed world where they can be afforded, are not going to solve the problems coming from China, India and Russia. India and Russia cannot afford clean technologies, and China simply doesn't care.

 

[BrhatWeed]

My question still stands from a startribune post; who wants a battery reconditioning & recycling plant in their backyard?

 

[mmckenna]

My question still stands from a startribune post; who wants a battery reconditioning & recycling plant in their backyard?

Probably the same people that want an oil refinery, pipeline or freeway in their backyard.

 

[BrhatWeed]

Think I will stick with spark plugs, I can deal with that noise

 

[KC2CQD]

Electric Vehicles Decimate AM Reception

I did not know that it was so bad that EV manufacturers delete AM radio from their vehicles. On many road trips I find that the AM band is essential for news. Where is the FCC in all this...

forums.radioreference.com

FCC doesn't have the manpower to enforce their own rules against electrical/electronic devices causing harmful interference.
Sad...

 

[KC2CQD]

Depending on where you are in the country, a lot of electricity is renewable. I had a coworker who bought a Tesla many years ago and also added solar to her home, along with the Tesla wall. Charged her car just fine, and never needed the utility.
Some utility providers will let you "choose" who your energy provider is. There are 100% renewable sources. While the actual electrons that arrive at your home can be from anywhere, your money goes to a specific source.

As for AM interference, there are so many sources, other than electric cars, that it is all kind of pointless. Power lines, cheap LED's, some street lights, all good sources of noise.

I LOVE my Fords but had to stray because of fuel pump noise, many times at S9 or above depending on the vehicle. And when you walked into the dealership and ASKED for the filter to put in-line with the pump, they looked at ya like you just fell off a turnip truck....Yes, the turnip truck made by GM or everyone else that already had such filters in place and 10/11 meter radios worked just fine. Locally, WBEN 930 AM falls off the grid when I cross the power lines into my subdivision.

 

[gmclam]

...The writing is on the wall. When that happens, OTA radio as we know it is done. The car is the one last holdout for corporate broadcasters to get a captive audience, once that is taken away, it won't really have a way to survive on ad revenue alone.

Call it a natural progression of technology, but it has it's influence by mega-corporations who control the content can't be ignored. It all started about 3 decades ago with the beginning of conglomeration of the content industry. The delivery method (technology) has now caught up to make any content a mandatory subscription based service. Consumers have been gaslit to be used to it.

I totally agree with this. When I became an empty-nester the very reason I fired up so many scanners is to avoid broadcast commercials.

Even though OTA DTV is free, how many people actually have antennas up? They think they "have" to pay for cable, satellite, streaming, et al? Same thing with music services. People gladly pay for Pandora, Spotify, SXM, Apple Music, etc hundreds a year for content they can get free on OTA radio.

I've never paid for TV and have an antenna farm (more than one TV, scanner, etc. antennas). I get more channels than I care to watch. I record everything, time shift playback and playback in compressed time w/o viewing commercials. For example it takes me 12 minutes to watch Jeopardy! I don't watch scripted TV which makes my interest in streaming less anyway.

Well played folks. Enjoy free OTA radio and TV while it lasts. Only so long it can survive on dying audiences and dwindling ad revenue alone.

Very true. The plug is going to literally be pulled out from people. I don't think we'll band together to fight this as we should, when this happens.

Over the past few years physical TV channels in the USA have been going through a "repack". Additionally, TV markets have started simulcasting (not the same as the term used for trunked systems) ATSC 1.0 & ATSC 3.0 (two incompatible formats). ATSC 3.0 is being marketed to the public as NextGen TV. There are huge technical improvements (no longer using 8VSB, transport stream is same as Internet, etc.) but there are also many non-consumer-friendly things too. One is ability to mark a "broadcast" to disallow recording. Good bye time shifting (unless under their rules). When this happens, I'll stop watching TV just as I have avoided AM & FM broadcast radio. Plus I don't subscribe to anything (except RR).

 

[CrabbyMilton]

It would be sad once the programs on the AM band disappear. But the really good ones will move to other platforms whether digital via a mobile device or analog FM. I only listen to a conservative news/talk AM station anyway and an all news AM as an alternative. Music can be found all over the place other than traditional radio. As for the EV's they will get better over time. I do find it funny that New York City is pushing that their entire municipal fleet EV by 2035. Yet the EV garbage trucks that they are trying don't have the power and range to get the job done.

 

[mmckenna]

It would be sad once the programs on the AM band disappear. But the really good ones will move to other platforms whether digital via a mobile device or analog FM.

What I find I miss is the "sound" of AM radio. Lower fidelity, a bit of static/interference, it all adds to the wonder. Nice clean, noise free music doesn't have the same nostalgia.

I think you'll find that some of the older music was designed for lower fidelity audio systems, and don't quite sound the same when on FM or digital audio, but maybe that's just my opinion.

As for the EV's they will get better over time. I do find it funny that New York City is pushing that their entire municipal fleet EV by 2035. Yet the EV garbage trucks that they are trying don't have the power and range to get the job done.

Well, like you said, they'll get better in time.
And maybe people will start generating less garbage and the need for large trucks will reduce.

Technology will catch up with the need, and then all of a sudden, technology will quickly outpace need. We'll end up with all kinds of products that we may or may not need and forget our old steam powered fax machines of the 1970's.

 

[CrabbyMilton]

What I find I miss is the "sound" of AM radio. Lower fidelity, a bit of static/interference, it all adds to the wonder. Nice clean, noise free music doesn't have the same nostalgia.

I think you'll find that some of the older music was designed for lower fidelity audio systems, and don't quite sound the same when on FM or digital audio, but maybe that's just my opinion.



Well, like you said, they'll get better in time.
And maybe people will start generating less garbage and the need for large trucks will reduce.

Technology will catch up with the need, and then all of a sudden, technology will quickly outpace need. We'll end up with all kinds of products that we may or may not need and forget our old steam powered fax machines of the 1970's.

HEHE. You just reminded me of a funny skit featuring the Johnny Carson character Flloyd R. Turbo. "They say we throw out too much garbage. Well what do they want me to do? Keep it in a shoebox under my bed?"

 

[CrabbyMilton]

I think you might be in the minority with music over AM. I think the reason music moved to FM is because of the clarity that most people want and stereo sound which was a flop on AM.
AM does have the advantage of distance. Probably the reason why aircraft radio still uses it. I personally don't care my talk programs stay on AM or move to FM or digital.

 

[KevinC]

Sort of on-topic. A few years ago my company vehicle was totaled so I had a rental for awhile. The company vehicle had SiriusXM, the rental didn’t. On my 9 hour drive out to west Texas I found a large stretch of I-10 where FM was dead as expected, but so was AM. I couldn’t even get a religious or Spanish station, that’s unusual.

Now I admit I was using the search feature which uses some sort of squelch I’m guessing. So manually tuning through the band may have given different results.

 

[mmckenna]

I think you might be in the minority with music over AM. I think the reason music moved to FM is because of the clarity that most people want and stereo sound which was a flop on AM.

I'm 100% sure you are correct.

It's me, from being a kid doing a lot of road trips with family through the Western US/Canada, staticky AM radio music brings back good memories. Even though I know I can get "better" sounding audio, the memories triggered by the sound of a far off AM station is what I like.