Chicago, IL — Tesla owners in the Chicago metropolitan area are grappling with charging challenges as a blast of Arctic air blankets the region, leaving many electric vehicles (EVs) unable to charge efficiently in the extreme cold.
Motorists have reported being stranded at charging stations, experiencing prolonged charging times, and encountering malfunctioning charging stations. The recent arrival of frigid temperatures, part of a broader Arctic blast affecting central states, has exacerbated issues for Tesla owners trying to charge their EVs.
Local news outlets have documented instances where Tesla owners found themselves stranded due to dead batteries at charging stations. Charging times have reportedly extended significantly beyond the usual duration, leaving frustrated owners waiting for hours in the cold.
Brandon Welbourne, a Tesla owner in the Evergreen Park area of Chicago, shared his experience, stating, “Our batteries are so cold it’s taking longer to charge now. It should take 45 minutes, [but] it’s taking two hours for the one charger that we have.” He observed multiple cars being towed away after their batteries died, attributing the issue to the extra energy expended to keep the cars warm while waiting for charging.
The challenges faced by Tesla owners come amidst an Arctic cold front that has brought dangerously low temperatures to central states, causing winter storms and frigid conditions. Tesla has yet to provide an official statement on the reported charging issues, leaving owners and industry observers to await further clarification on the situation. As EVs continue to grow in popularity, such challenges underscore the importance of addressing cold-weather performance to ensure the reliability and functionality of electric vehicles in all climates.