AM Radio Is Being Dropped From Electric Cars ⇥ nytimes.com

Michael Levenson, New York Times (via Dave Pell):

An increasing number of electric models have dropped AM radio in what broadcasters call a worrisome shift that could spell trouble for the stations and deprive drivers of a crucial source of news in emergencies.

Carmakers say that electric vehicles generate more electromagnetic interference than gas-powered cars, which can disrupt the reception of AM signals and cause static, noise and a high-frequency hum. (FM signals are more resistant to such interference.)

Perhaps not the reason you expected for why some automakers are no longer offering AM radios; certainly, this was not the reason I was expecting. Levenson documents many great examples for preserving its availability.