As several major automakers continue exploring ways to phase AM radio out of future dashboards, one new player has plans to cut AM/FM entirely. While the minimalist EV is being hailed as a “gamechanger,” the question is: can no radio sell?
“People should decide what to pay for and when, not car companies,” said Slate Auto CEO Chris Barman during the company’s launch event. Head of Design Tisha Johnson added, “We took out everything that wasn’t a car, so customers could decide what they want to put back in as accessories in a timeframe that makes sense for their wallet.”
“We’re trying to eliminate everything that contributes to reliability issues and cost inflation,” said Slate Auto Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy Snyder told The Verge. “Seventy percent of repeat warranty claims are based on infotainment.”
Instead of a modern infotainment system, Slate – aiming for a $20,000 price tag and set for a Q4 2026 production launch – includes a universal phone mount with USB power and recommends drivers bring their own portable playback devices. Self-installable speakers are an optional accessory for the Slate, as is a Bluetooth speaker mount. No price has been listed for either.
Of course, that strategy could soon clash with federal policy – and consumer desire.
The proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act would mandate that all new passenger vehicles sold in the US include the ability to receive and play AM broadcast signals as a safety feature, due to US reliance on the AM band as the backbone of the national Emergency Alert System.
If passed this year, the law would require the Department of Transportation to issue a rule by 2026, with compliance deadlines ranging from 2028 to 2031, depending on the automaker’s production volume. Slate Auto, which is new to the market, would likely qualify for the extended compliance window for smaller manufacturers, giving it until 2030 or 2031 to comply. Should the law not pass until the last year of the 119th Congress, bump those figures one year.
Once that compliance date hits, the Slate Truck would be legally required to include a built-in AM radio receiver, a speaker system, and a user-accessible interface that allows the driver to find and listen to AM stations without connecting a separate device – all for free. This might make Slate the only car on the market to have AM as its sole entertainment option.
Yet, until the rule takes effect, Slate is not obligated to include radio of any kind, but it would be required to inform buyers, through clear labeling, that the truck lacks AM capability. Additionally, the company would be barred from charging extra for any AM access workaround during that interim period.
Adding to the complexity is the inclusion of a 10-year sunset clause in the legislation. If the law expires in 2035 without renewal, Slate’s AM compliance window may be limited to fewer than five model years.
At the same time, recent consumer data suggests Slate’s bet against radio could put it at odds with a sizable share of the car-buying public. A 2024 report from Xperi’s DTS found that 62% would not consider purchasing a vehicle without AM/FM reception.
That preference is supported by new data from Quu’s 2025 Dashboard Scoreboard, which reviewed the top 100 best-selling vehicle models in the US. The study shows that FM radio remains available in 100% of models, while AM radio holds steady at 98%, even as HD Radio slightly declined to 67%.
So what are the implications for radio?
On Monday, Radio Ink opens the conversation with key voices in the in-car audio space, examining the implications of Slate’s stripped-down approach and what the move says about the future of dashboard design, infotainment expectations, and radio’s place in the car ecosystem.
It’s a pickup . hahaha
RIP…there’s nobody to blame but the top brass at EVERY radio station… once you gave up on RADIO FIRST, and forcing people to sell other companies products (digital) the end was written…GREED KILLED RADIO….
I’ve been in radio for five years and it’s been the worst five years of my life. Well, if they take the radio out of the cars, then radio won’t be around anymore and then I have to find a new job so please let me know when it happens.
RADIO is DEAD…. Why do you think all these radio companies want all their sales people to push digital like never before because nobody and I mean nobody wants any radio anymore.
If AM is so important then this bill doesn’t go far enough. Why not AM Radio for Every House! AM Radio for Every Store! AM Radio for Every Elevator! AM Radio Blaring on Every Street Corner! We don’t need government mandates on such a silly subject. Broadcasters have all but abandoned the media — even during this current AM fad — and had they paid attention to it in the past the industry wouldn’t be in such dire straits.
There are myriad ways to receive information now, as ***every single radio sales rep*** tells me on a regular basis when they’re trying to sell me all their other non-radio products. Or are they lying to me?
Very well expressed on your part.
Greedy snake-and-oil companies like Salem Radio ruined AM Radio. Their send money to Je$u$ informercials prey on the elderly, while driving away mainstream listeners. Just one example of a company being an AM owner “slum landlord.”
This is where boring and predictability got the business.
but…but…live and local!!!
…….And without radio how do receive traffic detours, tornado
Warnings…opening market info etc. No thank you. Still have the off knob if you no want.
Um… on your phone. It’s actually more accurate and timely.
The first casualty in most natural disasters is mobile phone service. Not so with AM/FM, especially in the car. Just ask the mother in LA that was waiting for her evacuation order on her mobile device. It never came.
That being said, the industry does need to do everything in its power to create consumer demand for the AM/FM service.
It’s a pickup. News, and especially sports are prominent entertainment choices.
Besides, EV sales are down, focus for new buyers will be value. For a little more you can get a full featured small pickup like a Ford Maverick or Nissan Frontier. With a radio.
Hardly anyone even cares about radio in cars. Outdated music choices get axed….