EV charging stations in Chicago turn into ‘car graveyards’ amid frigid temps

According to Fox Chicago, “public charging stations have turned into car graveyards,” as temperatures have dropped into negative double digits.

Mark Bilek of the Chicago Auto Trade Association told the outlet "It’s not plug and go. You have to precondition the battery, meaning that you have to get the battery up to the optimal temperature to accept a fast charge.”

Tyler Beard, who had been trying to recharge his Tesla at an Oak Brook, Illinois supercharging station since Sunday, told the outlet, "Nothing. No juice. Still on zero percent. And this is like three hours being out here after being out here three hours yesterday."

The outlet added that Tesla owners were encountering long lines and abandoned cars at other charging stations in around Chicago.

Another Tesla owner, Chalis Mizelle, told Fox, "This is crazy. It’s a disaster. Seriously,” then abandoned her car after it wouldn’t charge and bummed a ride from a friend.

Another man told the outlet, "We got a bunch of dead robots out here.”

Kevin Sumrak said he landed at Chicago O'Hare International Airport Sunday night and was forced to hire a flatbed truck to tow the vehicle to a functional charging station after his Tesla was dead and unable to start.