In the wake of freezing temperatures gripping the U.S., Tesla owners in Chicago face unexpected hurdles as their electric vehicles struggle to charge amid the bitter cold.
EV Charging Struggles in Evergreen Park
As temperatures plummet in the Chicago area, Tesla owners find themselves grappling with dead batteries and a shortage of operational charging stations.
In Evergreen Park, a Chicago suburb, USA Today reveals that there are stranded Tesla owners, with some witnessing up to 10 cars being towed due to battery depletion.
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Challenges Amid Subzero Conditions
With wind chills reaching -20 to -30 degrees, the National Weather Service notes the harsh conditions exacerbating the electric vehicle charging dilemma.
Oak Brook, another Chicago suburb, witnessed drivers enduring hours-long waits at charging stations. Some unlucky owners reported their cars dying during the wait, forcing them to abandon their vehicles at the charging points.
Tesla's Response to Cold Weather Woes
Tesla acknowledges the impact of cold weather on its vehicles, emphasizing increased energy consumption for heating the cabin and battery.
The company notes that during extreme cold, a blue snowflake icon may appear on the vehicle's touchscreen, indicating reduced power and range due to a cold battery.
The American automaker suggests leaving vehicles plugged in when possible and maintaining the charge level above 20% to mitigate the effects of low temperatures.
Oak Brook's Charging Ordeal
In Oak Brook, a Tesla driver recounted a frustrating six-hour wait over two days at a charging station, only to find their vehicle still devoid of charge.
As electric vehicles grapple with reduced regenerative braking and acceleration in cold weather, the challenges faced by Tesla owners highlight the need for strategic charging, driving, and preconditioning to warm the vehicle's battery.
"Like any new technology, there's a learning curve for people. It's not plug and go. You have to precondition the battery, meaning that you have to get the battery up to the optimal temperature to accept a fast charge," Mark Bilek of the Chicago Auto Trade Association told Fox32Chicago.
While Tesla owners navigate these unexpected challenges, the electric vehicle giant emphasizes proactive measures to combat the effects of extreme cold to guarantee a smoother driving experience in adverse weather conditions.
In other news, Volvo CEO Jim Rowan asserted his confidence about the "tremendous" growth of its EV rollout. Amid the gloomy EV market, Rowan is confident that they would defy the odds and expectations.
Furthermore, he said that he was aware of the competition in the market. There's nothing they can do here but to improve the quality of vehicles to bolster the demand.
