Why is there no FM radio in Chinese cars? — The real reason has been revealed

The ideas expressed by President Ilham Aliyev in his speech yesterday have brought the issue of FM radios back on the agenda. Currently, many China-made vehicles, especially electric cars, do not have FM radio functionality. However, FM radio is one of the most reliable mass media tools that can provide the public with timely information in case of internet outages, emergencies, or natural disasters. Manufacturers explain this by the electromagnetic interference generated in electric cars affecting FM signals.

Does the electromagnetic interference that disrupts FM radio indicate high radiation inside the car? How can the FM radio problem in electric cars be solved?

Automotive expert Elchin Abbasov told Demokrat.az in his statement that the absence of FM radios in cars, especially in Chinese-made cars, electric vehicles, and hybrid models, and the lack of radio installation is not related to radiation or waves inside the vehicle: 

“The main reason for this is the widespread internet infrastructure in China. Most of these cars come equipped with eSIMs and have a constant internet connection. Thanks to permanent internet connectivity, drivers can use online radio, video platforms, and various multimedia services. Therefore, in cars manufactured for the Chinese domestic market, there is not a strong need for FM radio. However, FM radios are usually definitely installed in models manufactured for foreign markets. In other words, the absence of a radio is not related to any radiation present in the car but to the use of the internet as a more functional and efficient alternative. Internet connectivity in the car is used not only for multimedia capabilities but also for online diagnostics and transmitting vehicle data to the manufacturer’s centers. This data is particularly important for the development of autonomous driving systems. Information about various road conditions and driving scenarios is collected to improve artificial intelligence systems. This approach was first implemented by Tesla, and later other modern car manufacturers also started using this system.”

The expert emphasized that many people claim that there is radiation in electric cars, especially in hybrid vehicles: 

“In fact, this is not true. Radiation means the emission of radioactive particles and rays. Since there are no radioactive elements in cars, alpha, beta, and gamma radioactive emissions cannot occur. Then what kinds of waves can exist in cars? Here, we are talking about high-intensity electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields, and electromagnetic fields. I have measured these indicators with special devices in my own electric car, as well as in several electric and hybrid models from leading manufacturers. The results show that all indicators are within normative limits. For comparison, the electromagnetic waves emitted from mobile phones are many times higher than the indicators measured in electric cars. Even when comparing electric cars to internal combustion engine vehicles, there is no significant difference in terms of electromagnetic fields. Therefore, the claims that electric cars emit dangerous radiation are not based on solid scientific facts but rather rely more on myths.”

Additionally, electric and hybrid cars have been repeatedly tested by independent laboratories and research centers in various countries around the world, including the USA and Europe. These countries support the development of electric cars to protect the environment. If there truly were any serious health hazards, those countries would certainly impose additional safety requirements, establish standards, and would not allow the use of cars that do not meet these requirements.”