Imagine the frustration of being stranded on Christmas Eve. That’s exactly what happened to 44-year-old Domenick Nati, the owner of a Tesla. In a viral TikTok video that he later shared on Twitter, Nati documented his attempt to charge his electric car in freezing temperatures, only to be met with disappointment.
The video shows Nati plugging in his Tesla, but instead of beginning the charging process, the car displays a message: “Battery is heating – keep charge cable inserted.” Nati, hopeful that the battery would heat up and charge the car, let it idle with the climate controls on. Two hours later, he checks the progress, only to find that the message remains the same.
To add insult to injury, Nati’s Tesla’s range remained at a measly 19 miles throughout this entire ordeal. The fear that critics of electric vehicles (EVs) often express is that they are not reliable enough. Unlike gasoline-powered cars that can be quickly refueled and back on the road, EVs pose challenges like this when faced with extreme weather conditions.
Nati’s situation highlights a concern that many still have regarding the EV industry led by Tesla. The reliability of these vehicles is put into question when faced with freezing temperatures. In fact, Nati left his car plugged in for an additional 15 hours while he tried to contact Tesla support, but unfortunately, he never heard back from the company.
The predicament was made even worse because the Tesla was Nati’s only car. With no available Uber or Lyft rides in the area, he had to cancel his Christmas day plans and was likely to miss seeing his son on Christmas morning. It’s a heartbreaking story that emphasizes the importance of dependable transportation, especially during the holiday season.
As the popularity of electric vehicles grows, incidents like these serve as a reminder that the technology is still evolving. Manufacturers like Tesla must address the concerns of customers, particularly those related to charging in extreme weather. While there is certainly progress being made, it is crucial to ensure that EVs can reliably operate in all conditions.
If you’re considering purchasing an electric car, it’s essential to do thorough research and weigh the pros and cons. While EVs offer environmental benefits and lower operating costs, factors like charging infrastructure and weather performance should be taken into account. As the technology continues to advance, we can look forward to more reliable and sustainable transportation options in the future.
In the meantime, Domenick Nati’s experience serves as a valuable lesson and a reminder that, although EVs have come a long way, there is still room for improvement. Let’s hope that incidents like these prompt manufacturers to prioritize the robustness of their vehicles, ensuring that customers don’t find themselves stranded when they need their cars the most.
