Today, the Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA) joined the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), Alliance for Automotive Innovation, and TechNet in a letter to Members of Congress opposing a proposal to mandate analog AM radio in new vehicles. In the letter, the organizations noted that requiring manufacturers to use a particular technology will slow innovation and reduce consumer preference, particularly for electric vehicles (EVs) that produce electromagnetic waves similar to AM radio signals. The organizations also highlight several alternative forms of emergency communication—such as Wireless Emergency Alerts, the Integrated Alert & Warning System, and digital audio broadcasting—that provide better coverage and accessibility to more users.

The letter can be downloaded here.

In addition to the letter, Albert Gore, Executive Director of ZETA, released the following statement:

“Requiring the installation of analog AM radios in automobiles is an unnecessary action that would impact EV range, efficiency and affordability at a critical moment of accelerating adoption. Mandating AM radio would do little to expand drivers’ ability to receive emergency alerts. At a time when we are more connected than ever, we encourage Congress to allow manufacturers to innovate and produce designs that meet consumer preference, rather than pushing a specific communications technology.”