The electromagnetic interference associated with electric motors prevents Tesla vehicles from offering AM radio. Three methods are available to listen to your favorite AM stations: (1) Tesla’s Premium Connectivity service; (2) FM simulcasts; (3) streaming through your phone.
It is often a surprise to new Tesla owners to discover that their cars don’t have AM radios. AM radio is being considered obsolete by some owners, but many people still strongly believe it is the best choice for live sports, 24 hour news, talk radio, and alternative language programming.
Tesla doesn’t offer a direct option for AM radio, even though there are countless FM stations plus music streaming.
What is the reason Tesla does not have AM radio?
The Tesla electric motor interferes with AM radio reception due to electromagnetic interference, which is caused by the car’s electric motor. Consequently, you will probably only hear static instead of the play-by-play of your favorite sports game.
For now, there are a few workarounds that allow you to listen to your favorite AM radio station while Tesla engineers figure out how to fix the issue with static.
There are three ways you can listen to AM radio in your Tesla vehicle with help from our experts at EVehiclePro.
The best way to listen to AM radio in a Tesla
AM radio can be listened to in your car in three different ways:
Radio App
There are many AM radio stations that also broadcast on FM channels. In addition to AM radio stations broadcasting on HD radio, Tesla Radio app users can also listen to AM broadcasts on HD radio. If your favorite AM station also broadcasts on FM, check to see if it has a simulcast channel. By using the Radio app on your vehicle, you can listen to the equivalent simulcast FM station.
TuneIn Radio
In all Teslas, TuneIn Radio is preinstalled and available with the Premium Connectivity service. It is likely that you will be able to find your favorite AM station among TuneIn Radio’s over 100,000 stations. Premium Connectivity subscribers only have access to this option.
Stream from your Phone
One of the many live radio streaming apps available on your phone allows you to stream AM Radio stations even if you don’t subscribe to Tesla Premium Connectivity. You can listen to radio on your phone with TuneIn Radio and iHeartRadio .
Your phone can be used to stream the website of the radio station
It is possible to stream the broadcast through your phone from the radio station’s website if all else fails. The majority of radio stations have the capability of streaming live radio directly from their websites.
While streaming, it can be difficult to keep your phone charged. Read more: Can You Charge A Tesla In The Rain?
Streaming from your phone to the Tesla
You can stream music or live radio directly to your Tesla using the following steps:
For better visibility and reach, mount your phone if you like to switch radio channels while driving.
Tesla HD Radio
Almost all Tesla vehicles are equipped with HD radio capabilities. A digital radio station broadcasts its signal digitally, which results in a crystal clear sound and exceptional quality of audio.
Read more about Tesla Stopping Mode: You Choose How The Brakes Will Work!
Radio channels can also share the same frequency when broadcasting a digital signal. It can be seen, for instance, in the Tesla Radio App that HD1, HD2 or HD3 are displayed near the same radio frequency. Depending on the radio station, they may be broadcasting on the same frequency.
Simulcasting of AM broadcasts on the FM radio band is also common among AM stations.
The best way to listen to FM radio in a Tesla
You can listen to FM radio stations in your Tesla if you like them. How to do it:
The best way to favorite a radio station
Choosing a favorite radio station is as simple as clicking on the star at the top of the screen. There will be a blackening of the star. Your favorites list will be updated with that station.
The Best Way to Remove Radio Stations from Your Favorites
Clicking the star at the top of the page will allow you to de-select a favorite by turning it black to transparent (clear) by clicking the star. In addition, you can remove a station from your favorites list by clicking on the X next to it.
Conclusion
As a testament to Nikola Tesla’s ingenuity and vision, the AM radio has endured as a legacy. It is clear that Tesla’s contributions to radio technology have had an indelible impact on the world of communication despite the formidable challenges he faced during his lifetime. The AM radio invented by Tesla reminds us how transformative innovation can be in broadcasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AM radio?
A modulating signal modulates the amplitude of the carrier wave to transmit radio signals known as AM radio.
Who invented AM radio?
It was Nikola Tesla who contributed crucial insights into electromagnetic theory and wireless transmission to the development of AM radio technology.
How did Tesla contribute to AM radio technology?
In addition to improving the efficiency of AM radio transmissions, Tesla developed innovative antenna designs, transmitter circuits, and receiver configurations that greatly increased their range and efficiency.
Is AM radio still used today?
For long-distance communications and niche applications, AM radio remains relevant even as FM radio dominates mainstream broadcasting.
What are the advantages of AM radio?
Radio in rural or remote areas is ideal for broadcasting due to its greater coverage and less prone to interference.
