Oh dear, Oh dear, electric cars in winter !!!!!

[BLUETIT]

Don’t turn your heaters on !!!!!!

As cold weather sweeps across the U.S., some electric vehicle owners are learning a bitter truth: Low temperatures can stop the cars dead in their icy tracks.

The issue crystallized this week when some Tesla owners in Chicago discovered their EVs' batteries had died in sub-zero temperatures. Drivers also said some of Tesla charging stations weren't working, or if they did work that the stations were taking longer than usual to charge up their vehicles.

"I've been here for over five hours at this point, and I still have not gotten to charge my car," Tesla driver Brandon Welbourne told CBS Chicago. "A charge that should take 45 minutes is taking two hours."

Tesla owners run into battery charging trouble in Chicago's bitter cold
Electric vehicles, or EVs, are known for losing efficiency in cold weather, an issue that Consumer Reports investigated last year due to concerns about significant variations in how different electric cars held up in cold weather. At the same time, the federal government is dangling a $7,500 federal tax credit, a financial carrot that helped boost EV sales to a record 1.2 million vehicles last year.


"EVs definitely lose some of their driving range in extreme cold," Scott Case, co-founder and CEO of Recurrent, a battery research firm, told CBS MoneyWatch.

The issue is similar to what can occur with other battery-operated devices in the cold.

"If you go skiing with your iPhone, you might notice that the battery will burn through more quickly, so halfway through the day it might run out of juice, where normally it would last all day," Case noted.

Here's what to know.

What happens to electric vehicles in cold weather?

Electric vehicles are less efficient in cold weather, with Recurrent's research finding that below-freezing temperatures reduced driving range up to 30% on 18 popular EV models.

An EV with a 200 to 215 mile range may only go 150 to 175 miles in the cold, Recurrent's Case said, while noting even that reduced mileage is often sufficient for most drivers. "The average person with an EV drives 30 miles a day," he said.

Still, a shorter range in cold weather could be an issue for some owners if their EV runs out of juice miles earlier than expected, potentially leaving to hunt for an available charger or, worse, stranded in dangerously frigid conditions.

Why are EVs affected by cold weather?

First, chemical and physical reactions inside an EV's battery require more time when the mercury drops, according to Recurrent. Because the cold slows these physical processes, that cuts down the power available to the EV.

Second, unlike with cars powered by an internal combustion engines, EVs can't tap the motor's heat to warm a vehicle's interior.

"From a range perspective, EVs tend to do worse in cold weather because of the need to heat the cabin for comfort," Alex Knizek, manager of automotive testing and insights at Consumer Reports, told CBS MoneyWatch in an email.

EVs rely on a supplemental heater, which Knizek noted are often "resistive heaters — much like a space heater you might use at home." Most newer EVs also have the option to come with a heat pump, which are more efficient, but they are also impacted when temperatures drop into the single digits or below.

Why don't electric cars charge as well in the cold?

EVs can take longer to charge when it's cold. That's partly because most EVs are designed to boost their battery temperatures when the thermometer drops, Knizek said.

"This power to do so comes from the battery itself, reducing range," Knizek added. "This also has an impact on charging speeds. If the battery is too cold, it will charge slower and may need to heat itself up before the charging speed can increase."

Will cold weather damage an EV's battery?

No, according to Recurrent's Case.

"If you are in a cold climate, you are likely to have a battery that holds up over time versus hot climates," he said. "The thing with very cold weather is it reduces range on an individual trip, but doesn't do anything to a battery in the long term."

Can EV owners prevent battery issues when it's cold?

Yes, there are several tips recommended by Case and Consumer Reports' Knizek. Both recommend warming up your EV's cabin while the vehicle is connected to a charger and before you intend to take it out for a drive.

"This means the car will use energy from the grid [charger] to get warm instead of the battery itself," Knizek said. "You can use the vehicle's smartphone app to do this or set a departure time within the infotainment screen in the car."

Next, also precondition the battery before using a DC fast charger — a step that is typically available by pointing your navigation system to a DC fast charger or a button that can trigger the process.

"This uses the battery energy to heat itself up to the optimal temp, which allows better fast charging performance," Knizek said. "It costs some range to do this, but generally the payoff is worth it."

Lastly, lower heat in the cabin and drive more slowly. "Speed and aerodynamics have a huge impact on range, regardless of temperature," he noted.

What does Tesla say about cold weather?

Tesla didn't immediately return a request for comment to CBS MoneyWatch, but its website advises owners to keep the battery charge level above 20% during bitterly cold weather.

The automaker also says it's normal to see energy consumption increase because Teslas use more energy to heat the battery and cabin.

"We have made several updates to improve your driving experience in freezing temperatures, including better overall thermal performance, quicker Supercharging and improved cabin conditioning," Tesla notes on its site.

Are there other issues with EVs?

Even in optimal weather, some electric vehicles fell as much as 50 miles short of their advertised driving ranges, according to Consumer Reports.

And another study by the advocacy and product testing organization found that EVs have nearly 80% more mechanical problems and are generally less reliable than gas-powered cars.

The Chicago-area Teslas that ran into battery problems during the cold snap this week probably won't change anyone's mind about buying an EV, Case noted.

"Everybody who wasn't going to buy one feels great with their decision because they saw the pictures out of Chicago, and everyone who was going to buy an EV has already decided," he said.

[Tuerto]

Yup, I've never had a problem with a diesel or petrol vehicle in extreme cold.

[North Cardiff Blue]

Don’t turn your heaters on !!!!!!

As cold weather sweeps across the U.S., some electric vehicle owners are learning a bitter truth: Low temperatures can stop the cars dead in their icy tracks.

The issue crystallized this week when some Tesla owners in Chicago discovered their EVs' batteries had died in sub-zero temperatures. Drivers also said some of Tesla charging stations weren't working, or if they did work that the stations were taking longer than usual to charge up their vehicles.

"I've been here for over five hours at this point, and I still have not gotten to charge my car," Tesla driver Brandon Welbourne told CBS Chicago. "A charge that should take 45 minutes is taking two hours."

Tesla owners run into battery charging trouble in Chicago's bitter cold
Electric vehicles, or EVs, are known for losing efficiency in cold weather, an issue that Consumer Reports investigated last year due to concerns about significant variations in how different electric cars held up in cold weather. At the same time, the federal government is dangling a $7,500 federal tax credit, a financial carrot that helped boost EV sales to a record 1.2 million vehicles last year.


"EVs definitely lose some of their driving range in extreme cold," Scott Case, co-founder and CEO of Recurrent, a battery research firm, told CBS MoneyWatch.

The issue is similar to what can occur with other battery-operated devices in the cold.

"If you go skiing with your iPhone, you might notice that the battery will burn through more quickly, so halfway through the day it might run out of juice, where normally it would last all day," Case noted.

Here's what to know.

What happens to electric vehicles in cold weather?

Electric vehicles are less efficient in cold weather, with Recurrent's research finding that below-freezing temperatures reduced driving range up to 30% on 18 popular EV models.

An EV with a 200 to 215 mile range may only go 150 to 175 miles in the cold, Recurrent's Case said, while noting even that reduced mileage is often sufficient for most drivers. "The average person with an EV drives 30 miles a day," he said.

Still, a shorter range in cold weather could be an issue for some owners if their EV runs out of juice miles earlier than expected, potentially leaving to hunt for an available charger or, worse, stranded in dangerously frigid conditions.

Why are EVs affected by cold weather?

First, chemical and physical reactions inside an EV's battery require more time when the mercury drops, according to Recurrent. Because the cold slows these physical processes, that cuts down the power available to the EV.

Second, unlike with cars powered by an internal combustion engines, EVs can't tap the motor's heat to warm a vehicle's interior.

"From a range perspective, EVs tend to do worse in cold weather because of the need to heat the cabin for comfort," Alex Knizek, manager of automotive testing and insights at Consumer Reports, told CBS MoneyWatch in an email.

EVs rely on a supplemental heater, which Knizek noted are often "resistive heaters — much like a space heater you might use at home." Most newer EVs also have the option to come with a heat pump, which are more efficient, but they are also impacted when temperatures drop into the single digits or below.

Why don't electric cars charge as well in the cold?

EVs can take longer to charge when it's cold. That's partly because most EVs are designed to boost their battery temperatures when the thermometer drops, Knizek said.

"This power to do so comes from the battery itself, reducing range," Knizek added. "This also has an impact on charging speeds. If the battery is too cold, it will charge slower and may need to heat itself up before the charging speed can increase."

Will cold weather damage an EV's battery?

No, according to Recurrent's Case.

"If you are in a cold climate, you are likely to have a battery that holds up over time versus hot climates," he said. "The thing with very cold weather is it reduces range on an individual trip, but doesn't do anything to a battery in the long term."

Can EV owners prevent battery issues when it's cold?

Yes, there are several tips recommended by Case and Consumer Reports' Knizek. Both recommend warming up your EV's cabin while the vehicle is connected to a charger and before you intend to take it out for a drive.

"This means the car will use energy from the grid [charger] to get warm instead of the battery itself," Knizek said. "You can use the vehicle's smartphone app to do this or set a departure time within the infotainment screen in the car."

Next, also precondition the battery before using a DC fast charger — a step that is typically available by pointing your navigation system to a DC fast charger or a button that can trigger the process.

"This uses the battery energy to heat itself up to the optimal temp, which allows better fast charging performance," Knizek said. "It costs some range to do this, but generally the payoff is worth it."

Lastly, lower heat in the cabin and drive more slowly. "Speed and aerodynamics have a huge impact on range, regardless of temperature," he noted.

What does Tesla say about cold weather?

Tesla didn't immediately return a request for comment to CBS MoneyWatch, but its website advises owners to keep the battery charge level above 20% during bitterly cold weather.

The automaker also says it's normal to see energy consumption increase because Teslas use more energy to heat the battery and cabin.

"We have made several updates to improve your driving experience in freezing temperatures, including better overall thermal performance, quicker Supercharging and improved cabin conditioning," Tesla notes on its site.

Are there other issues with EVs?

Even in optimal weather, some electric vehicles fell as much as 50 miles short of their advertised driving ranges, according to Consumer Reports.

And another study by the advocacy and product testing organization found that EVs have nearly 80% more mechanical problems and are generally less reliable than gas-powered cars.

The Chicago-area Teslas that ran into battery problems during the cold snap this week probably won't change anyone's mind about buying an EV, Case noted.

"Everybody who wasn't going to buy one feels great with their decision because they saw the pictures out of Chicago, and everyone who was going to buy an EV has already decided," he said.

Not going to work are they, they'll have to start again and find something else.

[A Quiet Monkfish]

Not going to work are they, they'll have to start again and find something else.

They work, just like a clockwork car will work. Just not very practical.

[Citizen's Nephew]

Not going to work are they, they'll have to start again and find something else.

No need. Already been done. World Endurance Championship has been running highly efficient state-of-the-art vehicles on this since 2022. Watched them at Spa that year. Incredible technology. https://www.fiawec.com/en/news/total...h-fia-wec/7286

[Citizen's Nephew]

And as far as the con regarding the Green Economy is concerned, Lithium mining in Argentina is where you need to look for the source of EVs other big problem. And I'm posting this as an environmentalist and supporter of the need for radical change regarding problems associated with human-driven climate change. https://www.theguardian.com/global-d...ite-gold-jujuy

[superfeathers]

Not on board with electric cars just yet, purely because for those of us in terraced houses there just isn’t any infrastructure yet.

Anyone thinking that petrol and diesel cars don’t get affected by extreme cold are kidding themselves though

[Sunnysideup]

You could always ask a friend or neighbour for a jump start 🫣

[Rjk]

And as far as the con regarding the Green Economy is concerned, Lithium mining in Argentina is where you need to look for the source of EVs other big problem. And I'm posting this as an environmentalist and supporter of the need for radical change regarding problems associated with human-driven climate change. https://www.theguardian.com/global-d...ite-gold-jujuy

there are developments in this area, sodium ion batteries instead of lithium .
solid state batteries seem very promising as well.

[MOZZER2]

Don’t turn your heaters on !!!!!!

As cold weather sweeps across the U.S., some electric vehicle owners are learning a bitter truth: Low temperatures can stop the cars dead in their icy tracks.

The issue crystallized this week when some Tesla owners in Chicago discovered their EVs' batteries had died in sub-zero temperatures. Drivers also said some of Tesla charging stations weren't working, or if they did work that the stations were taking longer than usual to charge up their vehicles.

"I've been here for over five hours at this point, and I still have not gotten to charge my car," Tesla driver Brandon Welbourne told CBS Chicago. "A charge that should take 45 minutes is taking two hours."

Tesla owners run into battery charging trouble in Chicago's bitter cold
Electric vehicles, or EVs, are known for losing efficiency in cold weather, an issue that Consumer Reports investigated last year due to concerns about significant variations in how different electric cars held up in cold weather. At the same time, the federal government is dangling a $7,500 federal tax credit, a financial carrot that helped boost EV sales to a record 1.2 million vehicles last year.


"EVs definitely lose some of their driving range in extreme cold," Scott Case, co-founder and CEO of Recurrent, a battery research firm, told CBS MoneyWatch.

The issue is similar to what can occur with other battery-operated devices in the cold.

"If you go skiing with your iPhone, you might notice that the battery will burn through more quickly, so halfway through the day it might run out of juice, where normally it would last all day," Case noted.

Here's what to know.

What happens to electric vehicles in cold weather?

Electric vehicles are less efficient in cold weather, with Recurrent's research finding that below-freezing temperatures reduced driving range up to 30% on 18 popular EV models.

An EV with a 200 to 215 mile range may only go 150 to 175 miles in the cold, Recurrent's Case said, while noting even that reduced mileage is often sufficient for most drivers. "The average person with an EV drives 30 miles a day," he said.

Still, a shorter range in cold weather could be an issue for some owners if their EV runs out of juice miles earlier than expected, potentially leaving to hunt for an available charger or, worse, stranded in dangerously frigid conditions.

Why are EVs affected by cold weather?

First, chemical and physical reactions inside an EV's battery require more time when the mercury drops, according to Recurrent. Because the cold slows these physical processes, that cuts down the power available to the EV.

Second, unlike with cars powered by an internal combustion engines, EVs can't tap the motor's heat to warm a vehicle's interior.

"From a range perspective, EVs tend to do worse in cold weather because of the need to heat the cabin for comfort," Alex Knizek, manager of automotive testing and insights at Consumer Reports, told CBS MoneyWatch in an email.

EVs rely on a supplemental heater, which Knizek noted are often "resistive heaters — much like a space heater you might use at home." Most newer EVs also have the option to come with a heat pump, which are more efficient, but they are also impacted when temperatures drop into the single digits or below.

Why don't electric cars charge as well in the cold?

EVs can take longer to charge when it's cold. That's partly because most EVs are designed to boost their battery temperatures when the thermometer drops, Knizek said.

"This power to do so comes from the battery itself, reducing range," Knizek added. "This also has an impact on charging speeds. If the battery is too cold, it will charge slower and may need to heat itself up before the charging speed can increase."

Will cold weather damage an EV's battery?

No, according to Recurrent's Case.

"If you are in a cold climate, you are likely to have a battery that holds up over time versus hot climates," he said. "The thing with very cold weather is it reduces range on an individual trip, but doesn't do anything to a battery in the long term."

Can EV owners prevent battery issues when it's cold?

Yes, there are several tips recommended by Case and Consumer Reports' Knizek. Both recommend warming up your EV's cabin while the vehicle is connected to a charger and before you intend to take it out for a drive.

"This means the car will use energy from the grid [charger] to get warm instead of the battery itself," Knizek said. "You can use the vehicle's smartphone app to do this or set a departure time within the infotainment screen in the car."

Next, also precondition the battery before using a DC fast charger — a step that is typically available by pointing your navigation system to a DC fast charger or a button that can trigger the process.

"This uses the battery energy to heat itself up to the optimal temp, which allows better fast charging performance," Knizek said. "It costs some range to do this, but generally the payoff is worth it."

Lastly, lower heat in the cabin and drive more slowly. "Speed and aerodynamics have a huge impact on range, regardless of temperature," he noted.

What does Tesla say about cold weather?

Tesla didn't immediately return a request for comment to CBS MoneyWatch, but its website advises owners to keep the battery charge level above 20% during bitterly cold weather.

The automaker also says it's normal to see energy consumption increase because Teslas use more energy to heat the battery and cabin.

"We have made several updates to improve your driving experience in freezing temperatures, including better overall thermal performance, quicker Supercharging and improved cabin conditioning," Tesla notes on its site.

Are there other issues with EVs?

Even in optimal weather, some electric vehicles fell as much as 50 miles short of their advertised driving ranges, according to Consumer Reports.

And another study by the advocacy and product testing organization found that EVs have nearly 80% more mechanical problems and are generally less reliable than gas-powered cars.

The Chicago-area Teslas that ran into battery problems during the cold snap this week probably won't change anyone's mind about buying an EV, Case noted.

"Everybody who wasn't going to buy one feels great with their decision because they saw the pictures out of Chicago, and everyone who was going to buy an EV has already decided," he said.

Turns out EV don’t like extreme cold..

“Public charging stations have turned car graveyards”#ClimateScam pic.twitter.com/6zdXng9Nuw

— YNWA 2.0 (@JP__75) January 16, 2024

[Citizen's Nephew]

there are developments in this area, sodium ion batteries instead of lithium .
solid state batteries seem very promising as well.

I agree, but the problem is cost. I'm no longer a driver but following motorsport, particularly endurance racing, I follow this quite closely. Mercedes has recently announced this https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/t...t-be-necessary and I've been under the impression now that sodium batteries are preferable because of fire safety issues and not efficiency. It's depressing because we're seeing the negative environmental effects of capitalism on alt-energy development which is why I've now become very skeptical of the Green Economy. That doesn't mean I'm a climate change denier. Far from it.

[Citizen's Nephew]

Turns out EV don’t like extreme cold..

“Public charging stations have turned car graveyards”#ClimateScam pic.twitter.com/6zdXng9Nuw

— YNWA 2.0 (@JP__75) January 16, 2024

Climate Scam hashtags! WTF? In other shock news, extreme heat melts rubber. FFS.

[North Cardiff Blue]

Climate Scam hashtags! WTF? In other shock news, extreme heat melts rubber. FFS.

You're so angry at the slightest thing

[North Cardiff Blue]

They work, just like a clockwork car will work. Just not very practical.

Betamax versions, this format will never last, back to the drawing board.

[Citizen's Nephew]

You're so angry at the slightest thing

You think that's me angry!?

[Trigger]

How does Norway manage? About a quarter of vehicles on the road there are supposed to be ev's.

[life on mars]

My electric car works fine wonder , if its extremely cold in Chicago which is usual perhaps tesla drivers should read the manual about cold weather , look at the weather forecast and prepare ones self a bit better ,buy a theral car cover , cover the charging port etc etc ,Biden need to hand out more free federal tax giveaways to keep these these rich Tesla feckers on the road he needs their votes . would not happen on Donnys watch

[Heathblue]

Don’t turn your heaters on !!!!!!

As cold weather sweeps across the U.S., some electric vehicle owners are learning a bitter truth: Low temperatures can stop the cars dead in their icy tracks.

The issue crystallized this week when some Tesla owners in Chicago discovered their EVs' batteries had died in sub-zero temperatures. Drivers also said some of Tesla charging stations weren't working, or if they did work that the stations were taking longer than usual to charge up their vehicles.

"I've been here for over five hours at this point, and I still have not gotten to charge my car," Tesla driver Brandon Welbourne told CBS Chicago. "A charge that should take 45 minutes is taking two hours."

Tesla owners run into battery charging trouble in Chicago's bitter cold
Electric vehicles, or EVs, are known for losing efficiency in cold weather, an issue that Consumer Reports investigated last year due to concerns about significant variations in how different electric cars held up in cold weather. At the same time, the federal government is dangling a $7,500 federal tax credit, a financial carrot that helped boost EV sales to a record 1.2 million vehicles last year.


"EVs definitely lose some of their driving range in extreme cold," Scott Case, co-founder and CEO of Recurrent, a battery research firm, told CBS MoneyWatch.

The issue is similar to what can occur with other battery-operated devices in the cold.

"If you go skiing with your iPhone, you might notice that the battery will burn through more quickly, so halfway through the day it might run out of juice, where normally it would last all day," Case noted.

Here's what to know.

What happens to electric vehicles in cold weather?

Electric vehicles are less efficient in cold weather, with Recurrent's research finding that below-freezing temperatures reduced driving range up to 30% on 18 popular EV models.

An EV with a 200 to 215 mile range may only go 150 to 175 miles in the cold, Recurrent's Case said, while noting even that reduced mileage is often sufficient for most drivers. "The average person with an EV drives 30 miles a day," he said.

Still, a shorter range in cold weather could be an issue for some owners if their EV runs out of juice miles earlier than expected, potentially leaving to hunt for an available charger or, worse, stranded in dangerously frigid conditions.

Why are EVs affected by cold weather?

First, chemical and physical reactions inside an EV's battery require more time when the mercury drops, according to Recurrent. Because the cold slows these physical processes, that cuts down the power available to the EV.

Second, unlike with cars powered by an internal combustion engines, EVs can't tap the motor's heat to warm a vehicle's interior.

"From a range perspective, EVs tend to do worse in cold weather because of the need to heat the cabin for comfort," Alex Knizek, manager of automotive testing and insights at Consumer Reports, told CBS MoneyWatch in an email.

EVs rely on a supplemental heater, which Knizek noted are often "resistive heaters — much like a space heater you might use at home." Most newer EVs also have the option to come with a heat pump, which are more efficient, but they are also impacted when temperatures drop into the single digits or below.

Why don't electric cars charge as well in the cold?

EVs can take longer to charge when it's cold. That's partly because most EVs are designed to boost their battery temperatures when the thermometer drops, Knizek said.

"This power to do so comes from the battery itself, reducing range," Knizek added. "This also has an impact on charging speeds. If the battery is too cold, it will charge slower and may need to heat itself up before the charging speed can increase."

Will cold weather damage an EV's battery?

No, according to Recurrent's Case.

"If you are in a cold climate, you are likely to have a battery that holds up over time versus hot climates," he said. "The thing with very cold weather is it reduces range on an individual trip, but doesn't do anything to a battery in the long term."

Can EV owners prevent battery issues when it's cold?

Yes, there are several tips recommended by Case and Consumer Reports' Knizek. Both recommend warming up your EV's cabin while the vehicle is connected to a charger and before you intend to take it out for a drive.

"This means the car will use energy from the grid [charger] to get warm instead of the battery itself," Knizek said. "You can use the vehicle's smartphone app to do this or set a departure time within the infotainment screen in the car."

Next, also precondition the battery before using a DC fast charger — a step that is typically available by pointing your navigation system to a DC fast charger or a button that can trigger the process.

"This uses the battery energy to heat itself up to the optimal temp, which allows better fast charging performance," Knizek said. "It costs some range to do this, but generally the payoff is worth it."

Lastly, lower heat in the cabin and drive more slowly. "Speed and aerodynamics have a huge impact on range, regardless of temperature," he noted.

What does Tesla say about cold weather?

Tesla didn't immediately return a request for comment to CBS MoneyWatch, but its website advises owners to keep the battery charge level above 20% during bitterly cold weather.

The automaker also says it's normal to see energy consumption increase because Teslas use more energy to heat the battery and cabin.

"We have made several updates to improve your driving experience in freezing temperatures, including better overall thermal performance, quicker Supercharging and improved cabin conditioning," Tesla notes on its site.

Are there other issues with EVs?

Even in optimal weather, some electric vehicles fell as much as 50 miles short of their advertised driving ranges, according to Consumer Reports.

And another study by the advocacy and product testing organization found that EVs have nearly 80% more mechanical problems and are generally less reliable than gas-powered cars.

The Chicago-area Teslas that ran into battery problems during the cold snap this week probably won't change anyone's mind about buying an EV, Case noted.

"Everybody who wasn't going to buy one feels great with their decision because they saw the pictures out of Chicago, and everyone who was going to buy an EV has already decided," he said.

Early adopters are ironing out the problems for balance my 06.54 train was cancelled this morning, the extra 10 mins waiting in -5°C was quite refreshing

[Citizen's Nephew]

My electric car works fine wonder , if its extremely cold in Chicago which is usual perhaps tesla drivers should read the manual about cold weather , look at the weather forecast and prepare ones self a bit better ,buy a theral car cover , cover the charging port etc etc ,Biden need to hand out more free federal tax giveaways to keep these these rich Tesla feckers on the road he needs their votes . would not happen on Donnys watch

You had me right up to covering the charging port etc etc...then blew it.

[Blooburd]

Don’t turn your heaters on !!!!!!

As cold weather sweeps across the U.S., some electric vehicle owners are learning a bitter truth: Low temperatures can stop the cars dead in their icy tracks.

The issue crystallized this week when some Tesla owners in Chicago discovered their EVs' batteries had died in sub-zero temperatures. Drivers also said some of Tesla charging stations weren't working, or if they did work that the stations were taking longer than usual to charge up their vehicles.

"I've been here for over five hours at this point, and I still have not gotten to charge my car," Tesla driver Brandon Welbourne told CBS Chicago. "A charge that should take 45 minutes is taking two hours."

Tesla owners run into battery charging trouble in Chicago's bitter cold
Electric vehicles, or EVs, are known for losing efficiency in cold weather, an issue that Consumer Reports investigated last year due to concerns about significant variations in how different electric cars held up in cold weather. At the same time, the federal government is dangling a $7,500 federal tax credit, a financial carrot that helped boost EV sales to a record 1.2 million vehicles last year.


"EVs definitely lose some of their driving range in extreme cold," Scott Case, co-founder and CEO of Recurrent, a battery research firm, told CBS MoneyWatch.

The issue is similar to what can occur with other battery-operated devices in the cold.

"If you go skiing with your iPhone, you might notice that the battery will burn through more quickly, so halfway through the day it might run out of juice, where normally it would last all day," Case noted.

Here's what to know.

What happens to electric vehicles in cold weather?

Electric vehicles are less efficient in cold weather, with Recurrent's research finding that below-freezing temperatures reduced driving range up to 30% on 18 popular EV models.

An EV with a 200 to 215 mile range may only go 150 to 175 miles in the cold, Recurrent's Case said, while noting even that reduced mileage is often sufficient for most drivers. "The average person with an EV drives 30 miles a day," he said.

Still, a shorter range in cold weather could be an issue for some owners if their EV runs out of juice miles earlier than expected, potentially leaving to hunt for an available charger or, worse, stranded in dangerously frigid conditions.

Why are EVs affected by cold weather?

First, chemical and physical reactions inside an EV's battery require more time when the mercury drops, according to Recurrent. Because the cold slows these physical processes, that cuts down the power available to the EV.

Second, unlike with cars powered by an internal combustion engines, EVs can't tap the motor's heat to warm a vehicle's interior.

"From a range perspective, EVs tend to do worse in cold weather because of the need to heat the cabin for comfort," Alex Knizek, manager of automotive testing and insights at Consumer Reports, told CBS MoneyWatch in an email.

EVs rely on a supplemental heater, which Knizek noted are often "resistive heaters — much like a space heater you might use at home." Most newer EVs also have the option to come with a heat pump, which are more efficient, but they are also impacted when temperatures drop into the single digits or below.

Why don't electric cars charge as well in the cold?

EVs can take longer to charge when it's cold. That's partly because most EVs are designed to boost their battery temperatures when the thermometer drops, Knizek said.

"This power to do so comes from the battery itself, reducing range," Knizek added. "This also has an impact on charging speeds. If the battery is too cold, it will charge slower and may need to heat itself up before the charging speed can increase."

Will cold weather damage an EV's battery?

No, according to Recurrent's Case.

"If you are in a cold climate, you are likely to have a battery that holds up over time versus hot climates," he said. "The thing with very cold weather is it reduces range on an individual trip, but doesn't do anything to a battery in the long term."

Can EV owners prevent battery issues when it's cold?

Yes, there are several tips recommended by Case and Consumer Reports' Knizek. Both recommend warming up your EV's cabin while the vehicle is connected to a charger and before you intend to take it out for a drive.

"This means the car will use energy from the grid [charger] to get warm instead of the battery itself," Knizek said. "You can use the vehicle's smartphone app to do this or set a departure time within the infotainment screen in the car."

Next, also precondition the battery before using a DC fast charger — a step that is typically available by pointing your navigation system to a DC fast charger or a button that can trigger the process.

"This uses the battery energy to heat itself up to the optimal temp, which allows better fast charging performance," Knizek said. "It costs some range to do this, but generally the payoff is worth it."

Lastly, lower heat in the cabin and drive more slowly. "Speed and aerodynamics have a huge impact on range, regardless of temperature," he noted.

What does Tesla say about cold weather?

Tesla didn't immediately return a request for comment to CBS MoneyWatch, but its website advises owners to keep the battery charge level above 20% during bitterly cold weather.

The automaker also says it's normal to see energy consumption increase because Teslas use more energy to heat the battery and cabin.

"We have made several updates to improve your driving experience in freezing temperatures, including better overall thermal performance, quicker Supercharging and improved cabin conditioning," Tesla notes on its site.

Are there other issues with EVs?

Even in optimal weather, some electric vehicles fell as much as 50 miles short of their advertised driving ranges, according to Consumer Reports.

And another study by the advocacy and product testing organization found that EVs have nearly 80% more mechanical problems and are generally less reliable than gas-powered cars.

The Chicago-area Teslas that ran into battery problems during the cold snap this week probably won't change anyone's mind about buying an EV, Case noted.

"Everybody who wasn't going to buy one feels great with their decision because they saw the pictures out of Chicago, and everyone who was going to buy an EV has already decided," he said.

quoting this looks fun

[Cyclops]

And as far as the con regarding the Green Economy is concerned, Lithium mining in Argentina is where you need to look for the source of EVs other big problem. And I'm posting this as an environmentalist and supporter of the need for radical change regarding problems associated with human-driven climate change. https://www.theguardian.com/global-d...ite-gold-jujuy

Do keep up. Lithium is being replaced by AI researched alternative: https://www.analyticsvidhya.com/blog...-in-batteries/

[Citizen's Nephew]

Do keep up. Lithium is being replaced by AI researched alternative: https://www.analyticsvidhya.com/blog...-in-batteries/

The Microsoft-PNNL collaboration and discovery of N2116 as a lithium alternative is a remarkable testament to technology's role in driving sustainable innovation. It's inspiring to see such advancements tbh. It'll require vigorous testing and it's way too early to know whether this is a 'replacement' but it's hopeful in both environmental sustainability and technological progress.

[NinianOpinion1927]

Not going to work are they, they'll have to start again and find something else.

It's too late now, we are committed to EVs. In the short term people may have to own a small petrol car for extreme cold AND an EV for main use at all other times. In the medium term science is going to produce cold hardy EVs. On we go transitioning to EV

[Heathblue]

It's too late now, we are committed to EVs. In the short term people may have to own a small petrol car for extreme cold AND an EV for main use at all other times. In the medium term science is going to produce cold hardy EVs. On we go transitioning to EV

On you go. 👍 😁

[Rjk]

It's too late now, we are committed to EVs. In the short term people may have to own a small petrol car for extreme cold AND an EV for main use at all other times. In the medium term science is going to produce cold hardy EVs. On we go transitioning to EV

Yes, like it or not EVs are here to stay and the internal combustion engine is on the way out for personal transport, some people seem to be in denial about this though