AM/FM radio remains the leading ad-supported audio platform among Tesla drivers in the U.S., according to the latest quarterly Share of Ear study from Edison Research. The findings challenge the assumption that electric vehicle owners rely primarily on streaming services and podcasts for in-car listening.
The study found that AM/FM radio accounted for 67% of ad-supported in-car audio listening among Tesla owners, ahead of podcasts (17%), ad-supported Spotify (6%), Pandora (5%) and SiriusXM (4%). Edison Research also found that AM/FM radio remained the leading ad-supported audio platform for Tesla drivers across all listening locations, capturing a 47% share compared with 36% for podcasts.
Edison Research noted that Tesla owners demonstrate strong brand loyalty, with S&P Mobility reporting a 61.1% repurchase rate. The research suggests that advertisers and automakers seeking to reach existing Tesla owners should continue to view radio as a key channel, particularly because drivers are less accessible through social media and online video while behind the wheel.
The study also compared listening habits across major automotive brands. AM/FM radio accounted for 83% of ad-supported in-car audio listening among all U.S. drivers, rising to 90% for Chevrolet, Dodge and Jeep owners. Tesla owners recorded the lowest share among the brands analyzed, but radio still represented more than two-thirds of ad-supported in-car listening.
Separate MRI-Simmons Winter 2026 data also indicated that heavy AM/FM radio listeners are more likely than the average American to be in the market for a new vehicle. Edison Research reported they were 6% more likely to intend to purchase a new vehicle within the next 12 months, with radio ranking highest among media for prospective buyers of pickup trucks, SUVs and hybrid or electric vehicles.
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