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In Switzerland, the freezing weather on Wednesday caused glassy roads and traffic chaos. But it’s not just cold here: large parts of the US are also affected by Arctic air. Especially in Chicago, people are struggling with temperatures below freezing, especially Tesla drivers.
Car after car lines up at Supercharger stations in the northeastern Illinois city. Tesla owners told US public radio station NPR that the cold affected electric vehicles’ normal ability to charge and maintain charge.
Drivers wait hours for loads
Local TV news shows the extent of Tesla drivers’ suffering, with many stuck at charging stations in extreme cold. Vehicles are towed away in rows.
Others are still hoping for some electricity. Many people line up hoping for a load. “I’ve been here for over five hours and I still haven’t been able to charge my car,” one of the drivers told CBS News. The reason for the long waiting time: “A charging process that should take 45 minutes takes two hours,” the Tesla owner explains.
Although the charging process takes considerably longer, several electric car drivers report that the batteries seem to discharge more quickly in cold weather.
Minus 17 degrees – and colder
But it’s not just Tesla drivers who face challenges, radio station NPR reports. Because the lithium-ion batteries used in mobile phones up to and including the Tesla Model S are known to be sensitive to cold – especially in subzero temperatures.
In fact, it’s well below zero degrees in Chicago right now. At 1 p.m. local time on Monday, the local National Weather Service office at Chicago O’Hare Airport recorded minus 17 degrees. According to the weather service, it had previously been colder for about 36 hours.
In extreme cold it is better to leave the plug in the socket
What does the manufacturer say about the problems? The Tesla Cold Weather Best Practices guide lists some tips, according to NPR. For example, a recommended measure is to defrost the car before driving and turn on the air conditioning to warm the battery.
Additionally, the company writes in the user manual: “Tesla recommends using the trip planner to navigate to a charging station at least 30 to 45 minutes before arrival to ensure optimal battery temperature and charging conditions.”
And in extreme cold? According to NPR, Tesla recommends that it is best to leave the vehicle plugged in and always maintain a charge level of at least 20 percent.
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
