Tesla owners in the Chicago metropolitan area find themselves facing a severe setback as their electric vehicles (EVs) struggle to charge in the midst of a relentless Arctic cold front sweeping through America. The bitter cold has not only left motorists stranded at charging stations with dead batteries but has also extended charging times significantly.
Reports from Tesla owners indicate that the cold temperatures are causing their batteries to take much longer to charge than usual. Brandon Welbourne, a Tesla owner in Evergreen Park, Chicago, revealed, “It should take 45 minutes, it’s taking two hours for the one charger that we have.” Additionally, many charging stations are reported to be non-functional, leaving drivers in a precarious situation.
The Arctic blast, bringing dangerously cold chills to central states, has plunged temperatures as low as -17°C in Chicago. Residents are grappling with the extreme weather conditions, and those who venture out in their cars, especially Tesla drivers, are encountering significant charging difficulties.
Several Tesla drivers have reported being stranded in the freezing temperatures due to a lack of operational charging ports and the extended time required for charging. Welbourne observed at least 10 cars being towed away after their batteries died, highlighting the magnitude of the issue. The energy expended to keep the cars warm while waiting for charging contributes to the strain on the batteries.
The severe weather conditions have led to prolonged waiting times, with drivers waiting for hours in freezing temperatures, only to find their cars completely out of power. Some drivers, caught off guard by the lengthy queues, have lost power while waiting for their turn at charging stations.
Tesla acknowledges the impact of cold weather on its vehicles, stating on its website that EVs use more energy in low temperatures to heat the battery and the car’s interior. The company recommends not allowing the power to drop below 20 percent to mitigate the effects of cold temperatures.
It’s worth noting that it’s not just Tesla vehicles experiencing problems; lithium-ion batteries in cold temperatures can suffer damage, lose their ability to charge efficiently, and experience faster power supply depletion.