Extreme cold weather in Chicago has been causing major issues for electric vehicle (EV) owners in the city. Reports of EV batteries dying in sub-zero temperatures have been surfacing, particularly impacting Tesla owners. In addition, some Tesla charging stations have been experiencing malfunctions or taking longer to charge vehicles, adding to the frustrations of EV owners.
One of the primary challenges faced by EVs in cold weather is a significant reduction in driving range. Studies have shown that popular EV models have experienced a 30% reduction in range during cold temperatures. This shorter range can pose serious problems, potentially leading to a desperate search for a charging station or even being stranded in freezing conditions.
The decrease in range can be attributed to the slower chemical and physical reactions that occur inside EV batteries in cold weather, resulting in less power availability. Furthermore, EVs struggle to warm up their vehicle interiors as the power for supplemental heaters comes from the battery itself. This, in turn, further contributes to the reduction in range.
Charging EVs in cold weather also presents challenges. Battery temperatures need to be boosted before charging, which takes additional time and decreases both the range and charging speed. However, it is worth noting that while cold weather may temporarily reduce range on individual trips, it does not cause long-term damage to EV batteries.
Fortunately, there are some steps that EV owners can take to prevent battery issues in cold weather. Warming up the cabin while the vehicle is connected to a charger can help alleviate some strain on the battery. Additionally, conditioning the battery before using a DC fast charger can also be beneficial. To specifically address this issue, Tesla advises keeping the battery charge level above 20% during extreme cold weather.
It is important to note that EVs have been found to fall short of their advertised driving ranges and have a higher incidence of mechanical problems compared to traditional gas-powered cars. As cold weather continues to affect EV performance, it is clear that more research and development is needed to enhance their functionality in extreme climates.
