Tesla Launches Emergency Drive Away Feature for US Superchargers
The update allows drivers to leave while plugged in but warns that doing so will damage the vehicle and charger.
Tesla has introduced a new software capability called “Emergency Drive Away” that permits drivers to shift their vehicles into Drive and depart while still connected to a Supercharger. The feature is currently limited to the United States and follows a series of safety incidents at charging stations.
What Happened
Tesla’s charging team announced the feature via a video and posts on X, noting that the update requires software version 2026.38.3. Previously, Tesla vehicles locked out of shifting from Park when a charge cable was connected, forcing owners to unlock the port via the touchscreen, app, or handle button before moving. The new capability removes this software lockout, allowing the car to drive away with the cable attached. Tesla explicitly stated that using this feature will damage both the vehicle and the Supercharger, and warned that deliberate misuse could result in additional penalties, though specific penalties were not detailed. The feature does not support Model S and Model X vehicles built before 2021, but Tesla confirmed it works at all Supercharger stalls in the US without requiring new hardware.
Why It Matters
The launch comes two months after a shooting incident at a Supercharger station in Twin Falls, Idaho, where a gunman killed three people and injured seven others at an adjacent In-N-Out restaurant. In the aftermath, Tesla owners had requested a native method to escape charging stalls quickly, with some turning to third-party breakaway adapters like the $299 EVject. While the new software addresses the immediate need for an escape route, it is a crude solution compared to a system that might cut power and release the latch cleanly. The restriction to US Superchargers highlights a geographic focus on safety concerns specific to the American market, despite Canada using the same connector standard.
The Bottom Line
Tesla’s Emergency Drive Away feature offers a last-resort escape mechanism for US owners, prioritizing rapid departure over equipment preservation. The update acknowledges that the action will cause physical damage to the car and charger, positioning it strictly as an emergency tool rather than a convenience feature.
