Tesla Launches Emergency Drive Away Feature for Supercharger Emergencies
New software allows drivers to leave while plugged in, but warns that doing so will damage both the vehicle and the charger.
Tesla has introduced a new software capability called “Emergency Drive Away” that permits drivers to shift their vehicle into Drive and depart while still connected to a Supercharger cable. The update, announced by Tesla’s charging team on X, is designed to provide an immediate escape route in critical situations, though the company explicitly states it is not a gentle feature.
What Happened
Previously, Tesla vehicles would not shift out of Park if a charge cable was connected, requiring owners to unlock the charge port via the touchscreen, mobile app, or handle button and wait for the latch to release. The new software update, version 2026.38.3, removes this lockout. However, Tesla warns that “Use of this feature will damage your vehicle and the Supercharger,” and notes that deliberate misuse may result in additional penalties, though the specific nature of those penalties was not detailed. The feature is currently limited to Superchargers in the United States and does not support Model S and Model X vehicles built before 2021.
Why It Matters
This update arrives two months after a gunman killed three people and injured seven at an In-N-Out Burger location in Twin Falls, Idaho, where he fired on occupants of two Teslas parked at the adjacent Supercharger station. In the aftermath, owners requested a native way to exit stalls quickly without waiting for the latch, with some turning to third-party breakaway adapters like EVject. By implementing a software-based solution, Tesla addresses the safety concern directly, though the trade-off is significant mechanical damage to both the car and the charging hardware. The US-only rollout suggests the feature is tailored specifically to the frequency of such violent incidents in the region, as Tesla noted the feature applies to US Superchargers “for now.”
The Bottom Line
Tesla’s “Emergency Drive Away” feature offers a crucial escape mechanism for drivers facing immediate danger at Superchargers, albeit at the cost of vehicle and equipment damage. While the solution is crude compared to a clean power-cut and latch release, it provides a functional alternative to being stuck in a dangerous situation, at least for US-based owners with supported vehicles.
