Tesla Owners Struggle to Charge Vehicles in Chicago’s Deep Freeze
Amid the recent deep freeze gripping the Midwest, Tesla owners in and around Chicago find themselves in a desperate situation as attempts to charge their electric vehicles prove futile. Charging stations have turned into car graveyards, with temperatures plummeting to negative double digits, according to a report by Fox Chicago.
Tyler Beard, attempting 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. And this is like three hours being out here after being out here three hours yesterday.”
The struggle extends beyond one individual, with a growing number of Tesla owners facing the same predicament. Long lines and abandoned cars at various Tesla charging stations in the Chicago area add to the chaos, leaving owners like Chalis Mizelle exasperated. Mizelle abandoned her car and sought a ride from a friend after her Tesla refused to charge, describing the situation as a “disaster.”
“We got a bunch of dead robots out here,” remarked one man, emphasizing the severity of the issue. Kevin Sumrak shared his experience of landing at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, only to find his Tesla dead and unable to start. Resorting to hiring a flatbed tow truck, Sumrak faced the challenge of transporting his vehicle to a functioning charging station.
Experts have commented on the issue, pointing out that the efficiency of electric car charging might be impacted by low temperatures. The Chicago Auto Trade Association’s Mark Bilek emphasized the necessity of preconditioning the battery to make sure it reaches the ideal temperature for a quick charge.
The challenges faced by Tesla owners in Chicago draw attention to the challenges that electric vehicles confront in bad weather and demand a more thorough assessment of potential solutions to avoid reoccurring problems in the future.
