Tesla Faces Cold Reality: The Winter Woes of Electric Vehicle Owners

In the recent bone-chilling temperatures sweeping across parts of the U.S., Tesla owners are encountering unexpected challenges as their electric vehicles grapple with the cold weather. Reports are pouring in about batteries draining more rapidly than usual, leading to longer waits at Supercharger stations.

The issue isn't exclusive to Tesla, as lithium-ion batteries, utilized in various devices from smartphones to electric cars like the Model S, are known to struggle in freezing temperatures. Anyone who has experienced a sudden drop in their phone's battery life when exposed to cold air understands the impact of low temperatures on these batteries.

Tesla owners in Chicago faced particularly harsh conditions, with temperatures plummeting to 1 degree Fahrenheit, resulting in Chicago's climate site enduring around 35-36 hours below 0°F. The frigid weather has triggered concerns about range reduction and increased charging times, especially at Supercharger stations.

Tesla enthusiast and long-time owner, Jane Maslan, shared her experience, acknowledging that this week's problems seem centered on longer queues at Supercharger stations. Despite nearly a decade of ownership, she highlighted that waiting for a Supercharger slot had never been an issue for her. Her key advice for fellow Tesla drivers during cold spells is to be mindful of potential reduced range, emphasizing that driving the car in cold conditions has never posed a problem for her.

To tackle extreme cold, Tesla recommends keeping the vehicle plugged in and maintaining a charge of at least 20%. The Cold Weather Best Practices guide from Tesla suggests prepping the car to charge in such conditions. Steps like defrosting the vehicle, setting the cabin's climate before driving, and allowing the car to prepare the battery for charging are recommended.

Tesla also addresses some unique cold-weather considerations for its vehicles. For instance, the release of odorless steam from the front of the vehicle while charging in cold temperatures is normal, attributed to the heat pump on some models. Additionally, opening the door on a Model S with a drained battery can be tricky, and Tesla advises connecting to an external, low voltage power supply before attempting to avoid potential issues.

As electric vehicles become more prevalent, understanding their performance in various weather conditions becomes crucial. Tesla's recommendations and the experiences of owners shed light on the specific challenges faced during extreme cold and offer valuable insights into optimizing electric car usage in winter.