Some carmakers are ditching FM radios and Rivian R2 fans aren't happy that they'll need a cellphone signal to listen to tunes in the wilderness

Date:
Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:00:00 +0000

Description:
Rivian becomes the latest carmaker to turn its back on AM/FM tuners in its vehicles and some potential punters arent happy

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter The R2 model will receive radio through the iHeartRadio app Customers have pointed out potential issues with the cell signal More automakers are phasing out radio tuners in their
vehicles A number of automotive manufacturers have begun phasing out AM and
FM radio tuners from their vehicles, instead relying on connected apps to
tune into both digital radio and FM channels.

Tesla famously ditched FM and AM tuners in some of its new cars this year, while BMW, Volkswagen, and Mazda began removing AM radio tuners in the early 2020s, citing interference from electric powertrains. It turns out Rivian , the maker of hardy, off-road electric vehicles, will join that growing list
of manufacturers that dont ship models with an AM or FM tuner, as eagle-eyed internet sleuths discovered that the latest R2 uses an iHeartRadio app for
its radio-based music, news, and entertainment. Latest Videos From Watch full video here:

The news surfaced after an image of an owners manual started circling on Reddit forums, appearing to show a list of media sources offered by the R2, but FM radio was not among them.

Some off-road enthusiasts have aired their grievances over the decisions, stating that cell signal is often patchy or sometimes non-existent in remote areas, while emergency broadcasts and road-specific information are still broadcast on AM carrier waves. You may like Google Gemini wants to make cars smarter, but not everyone is onboard Rivian's boss says Level 4 autonomous driving is 'closer than people think' The best DAB radios

I listen to sports talk radio, and while I am able to get it via bluetooth on my phone via an app, sometimes I just wanna listen to it live in the car
while I'm out on a quick jaunt, one Reddit user commented.

While another said, they do realize large swaths of this country still don't have data coverage, right? Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from
us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Analysis: Rivian could alienate buyers (Image credit:
Rivian) Back in 2023, a group of bipartisan U.S. lawmakers introduced legislation to ban automakers from removing AM broadcast radio in their new vehicles, citing that the act undermines a federal system for delivering key public safety information to the public, according to Reuters .

The bill still hasn't been passed, but numbers suggest that traditional radio listeners are declining, with Edison Research finding AM/FM radios share of in-car ad-supported audio dropped from 90% in 2019 to 83% in 2025.

The picture is even gloomier for AM radio in the UK and Europe, with the BBC reporting that fewer than 100 stations across Europe still broadcast services on AM. The BBC is even shutting down its Radio 4 Long Wave service after almost 100 years of broadcasting.

That said, Europe has made the switch to digital radio or DAB much faster than the US, where AM radio is still popular. According to Nielsen data , around 82.3 million Americans still listen to AM radio every month, which equates to roughly one in three US radio listeners.

The decision to remove traditional radio tuners from the Rivian R2 might not exactly impact the younger demographic Rivian is aiming for, but it could still limit its appeal to a wider audience one that is perhaps considering switching an older gas 4x4 or pick-up for something modern and electric. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/some-carmakers -are-ditching-fm-radios-and-rivian-r2-fans-arent-happy-that-theyll-need-a-cell phone-signal-to-listen-to-tunes-in-the-wilderness


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