Tesla Cars, Electric Vehicles Have Finally Found Their Nemesis: Chicago Cold Weather [Report]

Electric vehicles or EVs are some of the faces of modern, renewable energy through the utilization of clean energy coming from non-limited resources, such as electricity that comes from solar power or hydroelectric technology. In recent years, there have been multiple proposals and measures for transition from fuel- or gas-dependent vehicles to EVs, a move that is evident across the United States.

Among EVs, Tesla cars are some of the world's most recognizable vehicle brands, mainly due to its built as an electric vehicle and its modern design. Despite its sophisticated architecture and efficiency, Tesla cars and EVs in general may have finally found their weakness: Chicago's cold weather, according to reports. Earlier this week, the city experienced frigid temperatures, leaving some EVs without power.

Reports on Tuesday, January 16, show that some Tesla drivers were having a hard time restarting their cars after Chicago's bitterly cold temperatures made electric charging stations out of service. These electricity outlets could have powered up Tesla batteries, the same technology in our own gadgets and other electronic device.

Tesla Cars Become Dead Robots

Several Tesla cars in Chicago, Illinois, were towed after their batteries died and failed to be recharged from public charging stations that were not working amid the freezing cold. If it does work, in some cases, cold Tesla batteries took more time than usual to power up. Due to the incident, the internet labelled the electric cars as "dead robots" that contributed to the creation of "robot graveyards."

Chicago area Tesla charging stations also saw a pileup of dead cars in recent days when temperatures dropped to negative double digits. It is unclear if other Tesla vehicles experienced the same conditions in other parts of the country. However, one thing is clear, extreme cold weather could be the nemesis of Tesla cars and potentially other EVs.

The frigid temperatures in Chicago came this week as other regions of the US also witnessed intense winter weather conditions, particularly the North and even southern areas. This January alone, the city recorded an average temperature ranging between 26 degrees Fahrenheit and 36 degrees Fahrenheit). This Chicago cold weather may continue until the weekend, according to meteorologists.

Electric Vehicle and Clean Energy

EVs are part of the process of vehicle electrification that aims towards an industrial world where society utilize clean energy. This process also deviates the transportation industry away from greenhouse gas emissions and oil dependence. Reduced emissions of climate-damaging gases can also improve air quality and decrease hazardous air particles, based on previous research.

Despite the incident in Chicago involving Tesla cars, previous reports by US environmental authorities show that the sale of electric cars will continue to increase. However, a focus on optimization, especially when it comes to adapting to extreme weather and events could be necessary.