Dupage Policy Journal

As the extreme cold snap continues to paralyze Chicago, Niki Conforti, a candidate for the 6th Congressional District, has voiced concerns about the limitations of electric vehicles (EVs) in freezing temperatures. She highlighted the difficulties faced by residents in Evergreen Park, where extended wait times were experienced due to long lines at charging stations.

“Another reason NOT to own an electric vehicle,” Conforti said. “They don’t work in the cold.”

“Not only is driving range greatly reduced, but lithium batteries have a hard time starting in the cold and chargers freeze making charging difficult.”

The severe cold weather in Chicago has brought significant challenges for EV owners as their cars struggle to operate under frigid conditions. In Evergreen Park, residents faced lengthy wait times at charging stations with some cars needing to be towed away due to problems charging in sub-zero temperatures.

“As the article below points out, people in Evergreen Park were lined up for hours to charge their vehicles - and then it took another 2 hours to charge them,” Conforti said on Facebook. “Who has 4 hours to spend charging a car in freezing temps??”

The extreme cold has led to decreased battery life and range for EVs. Research indicates that EVs can lose up to 20% of their driving range in cold weather, a figure that could potentially double if the heating system is used.

“I think EV owners are discovering for the first time, and it’s what gas car owners knew decades ago, that when it gets really cold, you don’t want to get too low on your power supply,” Carfax.com Editor in Chief Patrick Olsen said, according to NBC Chicago.

Conforti's professional experience includes working as an energy consultant and a 12-year stint in healthcare within large health systems. She graduated from the University of Chicago School of Economics and holds an MBA in Healthcare Administration from George Washington University. Beyond her political ambitions, Conforti is also actively involved in community service and philanthropy, contributing to initiatives organized by her church and supporting organizations such as International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) and Mothers2Mothers Charities, according to her website.

The 6th Congressional District includes parts of Cook County, eastern DuPage County, and the far Southwest Side of Chicago. It comprises communities such as Orland Hills, Western Springs, Orland Park, Palos Hills, Hickory Hills, Chicago Ridge, Bridgeview, Willow Springs, Indian Head Park, Tinley Park, Evergreen Park, Downers Grove, Lombard, Villa Park, Westmont, Elmhurst, Lisle, Darien and Wheaton. The district is currently represented by U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (D-Ill.), according to congress.gov.