NEW YORK — On the eve of the NAB Show New York conference and expo, opening Wednesday at the Javits Center, one auto enthusiast magazine has exposed a pending move from one of the world’s most-recognized EV brands that some have been warning of yet few believed would actually happen.
Tesla is taking the next step in removing all radios from its newest entry-level models.
As first reported by Streamline Publishing’s Radio Ink, there is neither an AM radio nor an FM radio in the in-dash entertainment system found in Tesla’ new Model 3 Standard and Model Y Standard trims. That’s according to MotorTrend, which will see those who purchase and drive in these models lose all access to free over-the-air broadcast radio in favor of streaming and internet-based audio programming.
The changes from the Elon Musk-controlled electric vehicle manufacturer come even as bipartisan support in the still-shuttered U.S. Congress for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act is widespread.
Tesla phased out the AM band in its vehicle’s in-dash entertainment systems starting in 2020, citing electrical interference in bringing a quality signal to those using its cars. There is no such issue with FM band reception, and sends the message argued by many in the industry that the removal of kHz-band tuners was only the beginning.
Indeed, given the MotorTrend report, the prophesy rings true.
Interesting, industry data show the radio remains the most-used audio content delivery method among in-car consumers. According to Edison Research’s Share of Ear study for Westwood One’s Audio Active Group, AM/FM radio accounts for 51% of all in-car audio time among Tesla drivers, outpacing podcasts (12%) and ad-free SiriusXM (10%). Even more notably, some 74% of consumers’ ad-supported listening in Teslas happens on AM/FM radio.
Furthermore, a survey of more than 3,200 domestic car owners conducted in late 2024 from Xperi found that 62% of drivers would rule out buying a car without AM/FM reception. Quu’s 2025 In-Vehicle Visuals Report found that all 100 of the best-selling new car models in the US have FM radio.
Meanwhile, Edison’s data shows that AM/FM listening in cars among adults 25–54 has returned to pre-pandemic levels, climbing back to 51% in Q2 2025 after falling to 38% in 2022.
Earlier this year, startup automaker Slate Auto announced that its upcoming minimalist EV would include neither AM nor FM radio. Slate’s leadership framed the decision as part of a philosophy to “remove everything that isn’t a car,” leaving buyers to add audio accessories like Bluetooth speakers or phone mounts as optional extras.
Tesla’s pending move comes as the third quarter of 2025 brought a surge of lobbying activity from both automakers and broadcasters as the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act advanced through the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, with the auto industry’s influence clearly visible.
General Motors led all spenders with $4.96 million in lobbying, followed by Toyota Motor North America with $1.6 million, American Honda Motor Co. with $910,000, and Tesla with $340,000. Tesla’s filing came shortly after revealing it is beginning to remove FM radio from the two models.
The NAB has released PSAs in English and Spanish asking radio listeners to contact their members of Congress by texting AM to 39179, urging them to support legislation that ensures AM radio remains in cars. Get them for your station here.
