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There are no legal obstacles to a car without a traditional radio receiver in the EU.
Next year's cheapest Tesla - the Y Model 3 Standard - will apparently no longer have a built-in radio, writes media expert James Cridland on his blog. Although Teslas have never had AM radio, FM radio is no longer included in the new base model, according to a report from specialist portal MotorTrends. The Model 3 Standard no longer includes terrestrial radio reception. MotorTrends comments: We knew there would be a less powerful radio option - but not that the Standard model would completely remove the terrestrial radio connection. Tesla's US website also no longer lists an FM receiver.
According to Tesla's owner's manual, drivers in the US will still have access to streaming services such as TuneIn and Apple Music, which will allow them to listen to live radio stations, but an internet connection is required. Anyone who wants to use music or media streaming in the car needs either the paid "Premium Connectivity" subscription or connect their phone to the car via Bluetooth. In addition, Tesla does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto – neither of the common interfaces that make it possible to easily integrate smartphone apps into the car's infotainment system.
While Tesla's sales figures in Europe are falling sharply, the company's market share in the US is also falling to its lowest level since 2017. The decision to completely eliminate traditional radio is unlikely to help the company's tarnished image, writes James Cridland.
But isn't there an EU requirement for DAB radio in new cars, one wonders. No, there is actually nothing in the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC) that states that motor vehicles must be equipped with in-car radio receivers. However, if there is a in-car radio receiver, it must also be able to receive "terrestrial digital radio broadcasts". In practical terms, this currently means DAB+, but future alternative systems such as DRM and 5G Broadcast will also be possible.
Finland is the first country to legislate for mandatory FM radio in all cars. The Swedish radio industry has previously expressed its desire for mandatory car radio with both FM and DAB+
It should also be noted that there is no DAB system in Finland and in Sweden DAB+ have just a few percent listening share. Most radio listening in Sweden is on FM or mobile broadband (smartphones and Connected Cars).
Read more
New Tesla? It might not have a radio in it. (James Cridland blog)
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