Article:

Chicago, known for its harsh winter climate, has presented a significant challenge for Tesla owners as they struggle to charge their electric vehicles (EVs) in the frigid temperatures. As record-breaking gusts swept through the Windy City, reaching the lowest temperatures since 2019, many Tesla owners found themselves unable to charge their cars properly.

A viral TikTok video showcased the plight of several Tesla vehicles left abandoned at charging stations, resembling frozen popsicles in the chilling weather. Despite leaving their vehicles to charge overnight, owners reported that their EVs failed to withstand the extreme cold. Tyler Beard, one Tesla owner, expressed his frustration, stating that his car remained at 0% charge even after attempting to charge it at the Oak Brook Tesla supercharging station for multiple days.

On top of charging difficulties, Tesla owners in Chicago faced other challenges due to the freezing temperatures. Nick Sethi, another Tesla owner, shared his experience of spending an hour outside in negative temperatures just to unlock his frozen car.

The increased adoption of EVs in the United States, seen as a more environmentally friendly transportation option, has spurred efforts to improve EV infrastructure, including an expansion of charging stations. President Joe Biden has allocated millions of dollars in grants to support such initiatives. Despite the growing popularity of EVs, Tesla's vehicles seem to struggle in colder climates, highlighting the importance of considering different weather conditions during vehicle design.

Richard Currie of The Register pointed out that the fundamental nature of batteries used in EVs poses challenges in freezing conditions. In chilly temperatures, the ions that carry the electrical charge move slower, leading to increased resistance and faster battery drainage. Furthermore, EVs experience a reduction in their driving range during cold weather, with the Norwegian Automobile Federation estimating a 20% decrease and the need for longer charging times during winter.

While overall EV sales experienced a minor dip during the past winter, they still remained at a record high. Chicago's recent bomb cyclone, which caused extreme weather conditions across the nation, including freezing oil plants and impacting NFL games, sheds light on the potential challenges EV owners may face in the future. Some experts suggest that these extreme weather patterns could be attributed to climate change.

As Tesla vehicles become increasingly popular and widespread, founder Elon Musk may need to address the colder climate challenges faced by his EVs. Adjustments to keep the batteries warm during freezing temperatures could be crucial for maintaining vehicle performance and customer satisfaction.

With climate change intensifying and EV adoption expanding to colder regions, addressing the impact of extreme weather conditions on EVs becomes more critical, ensuring that consumers can rely on their electric vehicles even in the harshest of winters.