In a chilling turn of events, Tesla charging stations in the Chicago area have transformed into virtual graveyards for electric vehicles as freezing temperatures grip the Midwest. Desperate Tesla owners find themselves stranded, facing a dire situation with their vehicles unable to charge amid the bone-chilling cold.
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Tesla Charging Stations Frozen
In the midst of the recent Arctic blast gripping the Midwest, Tesla charging stations in the Chicago area have transformed into frosty graveyards for electric vehicles. Desperate Tesla owners, battling sub-zero temperatures, found themselves stranded as their vehicles succumbed to the extreme cold, rendering the charging stations ineffective.
The bitter cold has left these charging points incapacitated, leaving Tesla cars lifeless and unresponsive. Reports from frustrated owners, like Tyler Beard at an Oak Brook, Illinois supercharging station, recount futile attempts to recharge their electric vehicles, with batteries stubbornly stuck at zero percent.
As the Midwest continues to endure freezing temperatures, the once-thriving Tesla charging hubs have become eerily reminiscent of car graveyards, a stark reminder of the challenges electric vehicle owners face in frigid weather conditions.
Tesla Owners Desperation: “A Bunch of Dead Robots Out Here
Reports from Fox Chicago depict a scene of despair as Tesla owners attempt to charge their vehicles, only to be met with zero success. Tyler Beard, who had been trying to recharge his Tesla at an Oak Brook, Illinois Tesla supercharging station since Sunday afternoon, expressed his frustration, stating, “Nothing. No juice. Still on zero percent.” The dire situation has led to long lines and abandoned cars at various charging stations across the Chicago area.
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Car Graveyards in Freezing Temperatures
The Midwest’s negative double-digit temperatures have turned Tesla charging stations into car graveyards. Owners, like Chalis Mizelle, have been forced to abandon their vehicles after unsuccessful attempts to charge. Mizelle described the situation as a “disaster,” emphasizing the severity of the issue. Another frustrated Tesla owner highlighted the grim reality, stating, “We got a bunch of dead robots out here.”
Stranded at Airports: Tesla Vehicles Fail to Start in Extreme Cold
Even travelers arriving at Chicago O’Hare International Airport faced the brunt of the cold weather’s impact on Tesla vehicles. Kevin Sumrak, landing at the airport, discovered his Tesla dead and incapable of starting. To remedy the situation, he had to resort to hiring a flatbed tow truck to transport the non-responsive electric vehicle to a functioning charging station.
Cold Weather’s Impact on Electric Vehicles
Mark Bilek, an expert from the Chicago Auto Trade Association, shed light on the technical challenges posed by extreme cold weather for electric vehicles. He explained, “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.”
Q & A
Why are Tesla’s freezing?
Cold weather poses a significant challenge for electric vehicles primarily due to the impact on their small lithium-ion batteries. The low temperatures cause the electrolyte liquid within these batteries to thicken, mirroring the way cold weather can increase the viscosity of oil.
This phenomenon hampers the efficiency and responsiveness of electric vehicles, as the thickened electrolyte impedes the smooth flow of energy within the battery, contributing to reduced performance and range during winter conditions.
Can Teslas charge in the cold?
In extremely cold conditions, electric vehicles (EVs) face the additional challenge of slower charging rates, with some Tesla owners in the vicinity of Chicago reporting complete charging failures. While experts acknowledge the adverse effects of cold weather on EVs, they maintain that with careful planning and minor adjustments, owners should still be able to travel nearly as seamlessly as under normal conditions.
Despite the hurdles posed by extreme cold, strategic planning and accommodations can mitigate these challenges, ensuring a more reliable and functional experience for electric vehicle users during winter.
Does cold weather effect EV charging?
Charging electric vehicles (EVs) becomes a lengthier process in cold weather, primarily due to the fact that many EVs are engineered to elevate their battery temperatures when faced with low temperatures, as highlighted by Knizek.
Interestingly, the energy required for this warming process is drawn directly from the battery itself, consequently diminishing the overall range of the EV. This dual impact of prolonged charging times and reduced range underscores the challenges posed by cold temperatures on the operational efficiency of electric vehicles, urging further considerations for EV owners navigating winter conditions.
Why has my Tesla stopped charging?
The potential issue of disrupted charge operation in electric vehicles could stem from a loose connection in the building wiring to the Wall Connector. Fortunately, resolving this problem is a swift task for an electrician.
To restore normal charging functionality, consider the following steps. Firstly, for Wall Connectors connected to a wall outlet, ensure that the plug is firmly and completely inserted into the receptacle or outlet. This simple check can be a crucial step in addressing the problem and maintaining consistent and reliable charging for electric vehicles.
Tesla Yet to Respond: Seeking Solutions in a Frosty Situation
As Tesla owners grapple with the unprecedented challenges posed by freezing temperatures, FOX Business has reached out to Tesla for a response but has not received any communication at the time of reporting. The silence from the electric vehicle giant leaves owners stranded without clear solutions.
The situation continues to unfold as Tesla owners navigate the freezing Midwest temperatures, desperately seeking ways to revive their electric vehicles. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on reports from Fox Chicago, and efforts have been made to contact Tesla for their perspective.
