In this letter to the editor, the author comments on the article, “Tesla Tunes Out AM/FM in 2026 Standard Models.” Radio World welcomes letters to the editor on this or any story. Email [email protected].
I read with some angst that Tesla will eliminate the FM radio band in some of their models beginning next year.
I’m on my second Tesla, a 2023 Model Y which has a pretty nice FM radio with HD Radio as well, but it is one of the 2026 models that will lose radio altogether next year. Doing some contract engineering and also some road trips in semi-retirement, we upgraded my first Model 3 to a Model Y in 2023 for more cargo capacity.
If the elimination of a terrestrial radio is the case, this will certainly be my last Tesla.
Your article said that Tesla phased out AM in 2020. But the Model 3 I purchased in 2018 had no AM radio capability. I actually did not realize that when I bought it, so imagine my surprise!
It makes me think of two things: Remember how one airline started charging for baggage? It was like a virus as it spread quickly to the other airlines. I hope this isn’t something other car makers will see and think it’s a good idea.
The second thought is: Do we need to amend the legislation for the AM for Every Vehicle Act to instead be titled “AM/FM for Every Vehicle?”
I am not content to have only streaming apps in my car. Working in the business, I need to hear the transmitters, see the RBDS, view the HD Radio Artist Experience and more.
I also live in Florida, so I’ve experienced firsthand when cellular goes down or becomes unusable in a weather emergency. I need over-the-air broadcast to remain in vehicles for emergency information purposes, whether it’s hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, floods or other disasters.
— Hal Kneller, Punta Gorda, Fla.
