Tesla has introduced an “Emergency Drive Away” feature that allows drivers to move their vehicles away from a Supercharger while the charging cable remains connected.
The feature is designed for situations in which a driver needs to leave a charging station quickly because of an immediate safety threat. Tesla says the function is intended for emergency use only and warns that driving away while the charging cable is connected can damage both the vehicle and the Supercharger.
New Feature Overrides Charging Lockout
Previously, Tesla vehicles prevented drivers from selecting a driving mode while the vehicle was physically connected to a Supercharger. To move the vehicle, drivers had to unlock the charging connector through the vehicle touchscreen, the Tesla app or the controls on the charging connector.
With the new feature, drivers can select Drive while charging is still active. The vehicle then displays the “Emergency Drive Away” option, which allows the driver to move the vehicle after confirming the action.
Tesla has warned that intentionally using the feature outside an emergency can result in penalties, although the company has not specified the nature or amount of any penalties.
Feature Linked to Emergency Situations
US media reports have linked the introduction of the feature to a fatal shooting at a Tesla charging station in which people in Tesla vehicles were reportedly targeted.
Tesla has not described the feature as a general charging convenience. Instead, the company has emphasised that it is intended to provide an option for drivers facing an immediate emergency at a charging location.
The ability to drive away while connected to a charger carries a risk of damaging charging equipment and the vehicle, which is why the feature is restricted to emergency use.
Initially Limited to the US
The Emergency Drive Away function is included with software update 2026.38.3.
Tesla has confirmed that the feature is being introduced in the United States. The company has also stated on X that the function will initially be limited to the US market.
Tesla has not indicated when, or whether, the feature will become available in other countries.
