Tesla’s 2026 entry-level Model Y Standard and Model 3 Standard trims will not come with either an AM or FM radio.
Motor Trend first reported the loss of a terrestrial-based tuner in the electric vehicles, which are two of the four trims it offers, along with its Cybertruck.”We had seen that there would be a less powerful radio option, but we weren’t expecting the loss of a terrestrial radio connection in the Standard trim’s content,” Motor Trend’s Justin Banner wrote.
Most Tesla models, starting with the 2020 Model 3, have not come equipped with an AM radio, which is part of the impetus for the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act legislation.
But eliminating FM, too, in base models is new. According to RadioInk, this move makes Tesla the first mainstream auto brand to cut out over-the-air radio entirely.
“Yesterday’s widespread internet outage underscored the exact reason why Congress must act swiftly to pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act,” Grace Whaley, senior manager for communications and social media for the National Association of Broadcasters, told Radio World. “Removing broadcast radio from vehicles is a disservice to millions of drivers who rely on these stations for trusted news, community connection and emergency alerts.”
Radio World has reached out to Tesla for further comment.
The removal of a terrestrial tuner comes despite Edison Research’s most recent “Share of Ear” report that surveyed auto brand drivers. Its research concluded that 51% of Tesla drivers spent time listening to AM/FM radio, making it the most listened to audio platform.
Tesla announced the features of the models on Oct. 7. The standard connectivity package in a Tesla comes equipped with Bluetooth so that drivers can pair content from their mobile device. Premium connectivity, for $9.99/mo., allows access to Tesla’s built in cellular connectivity to play music through its native apps.
[Related: “Letter: No AM Capability? You Just Lost My Business!”]
According to Tesla’s website, the higher-end Model S and Model X 2026 trims receive “premium connectivity” at delivery.
The electric automaker does not currently support Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto. In 2020, Tesla offered an “infotainment system upgrade” that removed AM/FM radio and Sirius/XM reception while enabling video streaming.
The Model 3 Standard, priced at approximately $38,630, is currently the most affordable Tesla 2026 model offered.
