Tesla Adds Emergency Drive Away Feature for Supercharger Escapes
The new function requires software update 2026.38.3 and warns that using it will damage both the vehicle and the charger.
Tesla has introduced a new capability called Emergency Drive Away, allowing drivers to shift their vehicle into Drive and pull away while still connected to a Supercharger cable. The feature, announced by the Tesla Charging team on X, is designed specifically for emergency situations where a driver needs to escape immediately.
What Happened
Previously, Tesla vehicles would not leave Park mode if the charge cable was still plugged in. Drivers were required to release the latch via the touchscreen, the mobile app, or the button on the charge handle, then wait for the port to disengage. Emergency Drive Away bypasses this lockout mechanism. However, Tesla explicitly stated that using this feature "will damage your vehicle and the Supercharger." The company emphasized that the function is intended for emergencies only and warned that deliberate misuse could result in "additional penalties," though the specific nature of those penalties was not defined.
Why It Matters
The rollout of Emergency Drive Away addresses safety concerns raised by owners following recent violent incidents at charging stations. While Tesla did not link the announcement to a specific event, the update arrives two months after a shooting at a Supercharger in Twin Falls, Idaho, where one person was killed and others were injured. In the aftermath, community members had advocated for a native escape method, often referencing the aftermarket EVject connector, which Tesla previously sued over safety concerns before reaching an agreement that led to a recall and replacement of older units. This new software feature provides a built-in solution for urgent departures without requiring third-party hardware.
The Bottom Line
Emergency Drive Away is currently available for U.S. Superchargers and requires software update 2026.38.3. It works at every Supercharger in the United States without new stall hardware, though Canada and other markets are excluded from the initial launch. Compatibility is limited to Model S and Model X vehicles built after 2021; older models do not support the feature.
