WSJ: AM radio and electric cars don’t mix

(Source: Wall Street Journal via Bob LaRose W6ACU

Cars and AM radio go back a long way, but there's a rough road ahead for the old travel buddies.

The same types of electric-powered motors that propel Teslas past 150 mph and the Chevy Bolt as far as 238 miles on a charge, are a total buzz kill for AM reception. Instead of sports, oldies or news, it's more like all-static, all-the-time radio.

As auto makers race headlong into an electrified future, AM radios are getting kicked to the curb, joining cassette decks, eight-track players and ashtrays.

Daniel Rich is a fan of both San Francisco's KNBR-AM 680 and his Chevy Bolt. That means his commute isn't as easygoing as it used to be. "All my other cars over the years could receive that station just fine, despite the distance," the 58-year-old eye surgeon said. "Not the Bolt."

A General Motors Co. spokeswoman said GM was aware of the issue in the Bolt and has "taken steps," but declined to say exactly what they are.["]

Click here to read the full article at the Wall Street Journal.