The Arctic front sweeping the nation has become an electric vehicle (EV) killer. Striking visuals of "electric car cemeteries" in Chicago, showing numerous powerless EVs lined up near Tesla charging stations, are dominating social media and news outlets. These images have sparked buyer's remorse and widespread discussions about the adverse impact of cold temperatures on EV battery performance. The American Automobile Association (AAA) warned users of these vehicles that snow and extreme cold significantly reduce the duration of charges, which one study places between 20-30% less than in optimal weather conditions. Far from realizing it, Biden reaffirmed his obsession with this type of automobile by announcing a federal investment of 623 million in charging points.
Get an electric vehicle they said.
Everything will be fine they said.
Reality: Chicago-area Tesla charging stations lined with dead cars in freezing cold.
Gas-powered vehicles don't have this problem. pic.twitter.com/Vrz31KEVUW
— Daniel Turner (@DanielTurnerPTF) January 16, 2024
"Don't get a Tesla if you don't live in Florida or Arizona"
Several of these vehicles had to be towed away after losing their entire battery while waiting for hours to recharge their car. Several of those affected uploaded their experience and situation to the networks, denouncing that many of the chargers do not work due to the cold and the batteries lose a large part of their power just to heat up the engine and be able to circulate.
A Tik Tok user from Chicago assured that, unless you live in areas like Florida or Arizona, "don't get a Tesla" and said that, in recent days, with temperatures below zero, she had to travel "miles and miles" away from her home to be able to get a charge. A good fortune that other drivers did not have and had to be rescued from frozen cars without heating in the middle of the blizzard.
@ms.iwinwewin Tesla done made my southside Chicago accent come out! 🤦🏽♀️ #tesla #teslasupercharger #teslainthesnow #supercharger #irritated #teslatok #teslacheck #teslainwinter
@segway_x260_jeff #fypシ #fypシ゚viral #ev #cars #news #breakingnews #tik_tok #foryoupage❤️❤️ #foryourpagetiktok #foryoupageofficiall #views #tiktokviral #viral #mustsee #shocking
@thechristopherpearce This should be a warning to anyone with an EV that lives in cold areas #tesla #chicago #ev #carnews
Loss of between 20 and 30% of autonomy in the cold
According to experts, this is not a specific situation, but rather a structural weakness of this type of vehicle. The AAA warns the owners of these cars that they must anticipate a notable decrease in autonomy (between 20 and 30% less) to avoid situations like those of the Chicago chargers. In addition, they recommended checking the chargers closest to their position and calculating the distance range that their cars can travel in those conditions without rushing the charge.
Another argument for the 65% of Americans who say they do not plan to buy an electric vehicle. This is the figure produced by a Rasmussen Reports survey, which also indicates that the number of citizens who oppose purchasing this type of transportation continues to grow. In April, 40% of the population was receptive to having an electric car, compared to 29% who would be willing at this time.
Biden insists on electric vehicles
However, none of these situations - nor the disastrous promotional trip of the Secretary of Energy in September of last year - makes the Biden Administration give in in its commitment to what they call "green mobility." This same month the president announced an investment of 623 million dollars for the installation of charging points throughout the country.
