In a recent wave of frigid temperatures sweeping across the United States, electric vehicle (EV) owners have been facing numerous challenges, including reduced driving range and long wait times at charging stations. Oak Brook, Illinois, near Chicago, experienced temperatures as low as minus 9 Fahrenheit (-23 Celsius), causing Teslas to run out of battery while waiting in long lines at a Supercharger station. Similarly, outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan, with a temperature of 7 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 14 Celsius) and strong winds, Teslas were found plugged into six out of eight charging stations, with at least one driver on the verge of running out of battery.

It is widely known that EVs experience a loss in travel range in cold weather, particularly in subzero temperatures like those witnessed this week. Studies have shown that range loss can vary from 10% to 36%. Additionally, EVs do not charge as quickly in extreme cold, with some Tesla owners near Chicago reporting that their cars would not charge at all. Experts acknowledge that cold weather poses challenges for EVs, but they assure owners that with proper planning and adjustments, they should be able to travel relatively normally.

The issue lies in the fact that EV batteries contain lithium ions that flow through a liquid electrolyte to produce electricity. However, in cold temperatures, these ions move more slowly through the electrolyte and do not release as much energy, thereby reducing the battery's range and depleting it faster. The same slowdown occurs during charging, as the electrons within the battery move more slowly and cannot accept as much electricity from a charging plug. This results in slower charging times. To compound the problem, batteries need to be warm enough for the electrons to move, and fast-charging stations, such as Tesla's Supercharger stations, require even higher temperatures.

At a Supercharger station in Pittsfield Township, Michigan, Ankita Bansal found herself with only 7% battery charge left in her Tesla. However, when she plugged in, the car refused to accept electricity and instead displayed a message indicating that the battery was heating up. Once it reached the appropriate temperature, it would take nearly two hours to achieve a full charge. Bansal, a University of Michigan graduate student, needed a full charge as she lacked a charging station at home. Bruce Westlake, president of the Eastern Michigan Electric Vehicle Association, explained that most EVs are programmed to warm the battery if the driver notifies the vehicle's navigation system of an upcoming trip to a charging station. However, many new EV owners are unaware of this process, leading to confusion and frustration.

In order to address these challenges, EV drivers must plan ahead, especially during cold weather. The car's navigation system can provide information on available charging stations and remaining range. Preconditioning the battery, a process that warms it up before charging, can also help optimize charging times. While preconditioning does result in some range loss, it is typically only a few miles. Experienced EV drivers, like Kim Burney, who was charging her Tesla Model 3 at a slightly slower rate than usual, emphasize the importance of becoming familiar with the car's capabilities and limitations in different weather conditions.

In the long term, automakers are expected to develop better methods of protecting battery life and warming batteries for charging. New battery chemistries are also being developed to improve performance in cold weather. Additionally, significant investments are being made in new battery technology that performs better in the cold, which will eventually find its way into electric vehicles. Neil Dasgupta, an associate professor at the University of Michigan, encourages EV drivers in cold-weather climates to remain optimistic about the future, as advancements in technology will continue to enhance EV performance.

Overall, while cold weather poses challenges for EV owners, with proper planning, adjustments, and advancements in technology, EVs can thrive in colder climates. As more mainstream consumers embrace EVs and automakers invest in tailored solutions for cold-weather performance, the future of EV charging looks promising.