As frigid temperatures grip the Midwest, Tesla owners in and around Chicago are facing desperate situations as they attempt to charge their electric vehicles.
Charging stations have become challenging to navigate, resembling car graveyards, with temperatures dropping to negative double digits.
Struggles at Charging Stations
Despite long lines and abandoned vehicles at various Tesla charging stations, many owners find themselves unable to recharge their Teslas, leading to frustration and stranded vehicles.
Reports from Fox Chicago reveal the dire circumstances faced by Tesla owners in the region. Tyler Beard, who has 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.”
Similar scenes unfold across Chicago, with Tesla owners enduring hours of waiting and abandoned vehicles at charging stations.
One Tesla owner, Mizelle, shared her experience of abandoning her car after it failed to charge, resorting to getting a ride from a friend.
The severity of the situation is evident as frustrated owners refer to the stranded electric vehicles as “dead robots,” painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by the Tesla community in the region.
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Impact of Cold Weather On Tesla Owners
Kevin Sumrak, arriving at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, discovered his Tesla non-functional and unable to start in the frigid conditions.
Forced to hire a flatbed tow truck to transport the vehicle to a functional charging station, Sumrak’s experience underscores the impact of cold weather on electric vehicles.
Mark Bilek of the Chicago Auto Trade Association explained that cold weather can affect the charging ability of electric vehicles, requiring the battery to be preconditioned to the optimal temperature for a fast charge.
FOX Business reached out to Tesla for comment on the situation but has not received a response as of now. The lack of communication from Tesla leaves many questions unanswered, as frustrated owners grapple with the challenges of recharging their vehicles in extreme weather conditions.
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