GoKawiilTesla adds software feature letting drivers break away from Superchargers in emergencies
Tesla rolled out an 'emergency drive away' feature that lets drivers shift into drive and pull away from a charger while the cable is still attached, overriding the normal charging lock. The cable breaks away and falls to the ground, causing some damage to both the car and the charging handle, and the feature triggers a confirmation alert before activating. It is currently available only in the US.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The update follows a mass shooting at a Twin Falls, Idaho Supercharger in August that killed four people and wounded seven, including a Tesla owner who was charging at the time; Tesla did not cite the incident directly but the timing suggests a response to owner requests for a quick-escape option. Tesla's warning about penalties for misuse indicates the company is trying to balance safety access against potential abuse of the override. The move could prompt broader industry discussion about emergency safeguards at charging stations as EV adoption grows.
- Tesla's new 'emergency drive away' feature overrides the charging lock to let drivers flee quickly.
- The cable detaches and falls to the ground, damaging both vehicle and charger in the process.
- The rollout follows a deadly August shooting at an Idaho Supercharger, though Tesla didn't name the incident.
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Published there as: “Tesla will now let you drive off mid-charge if there’s an emergency”
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