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Tesla Released Emergency Drive Away Feature

The update allows US drivers to exit charging stalls quickly during emergencies by shifting while still connected.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Isometric editorial illustration showing a generic electric vehicle connected to a charging pillar by a thick cable.
Tesla has released an Emergency Drive Away feature in the United States, allowing drivers to shift into drive while still connected to Supercharger equipment. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you prioritize an emergency escape feature even if it intentionally damages your own vehicle?

Tesla has launched an Emergency Drive Away feature for vehicles in the United States, allowing drivers to shift into drive while connected to a Supercharger. The update is intended to help drivers quickly escape charging stations during emergency situations.

Why it matters

The feature was developed in response to safety concerns following a shooting at a Twin Falls, Idaho Supercharger in August 2026. Drivers requested a faster method to leave charging stalls after incidents left multiple people dead or injured.

The Emergency Drive Away feature requires software update 2026.38.3. Tesla warns that using the function causes damage to both the vehicle and the Supercharger equipment.

The players

Tesla

Tesla is an American automotive and clean energy company that designs and manufactures electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

The details

The update removes the standard software lockout that previously prevented shifting out of Park while a charge cable was engaged. While it provides an escape route, Tesla notes it is not a routine feature, as it causes hardware damage to both the car and the charger.

Timeline

  1. A Tesla driver was killed at a Colorado Supercharger in 2023.

  2. Tesla sued EVject over a breakaway adapter in 2024.

  3. A shooting occurred at a Twin Falls, Idaho Supercharger on August 1, 2026.

  4. Tesla launched the Emergency Drive Away feature on October 1, 2026.

Roadmap

The introduction of this software-based override shifts the focus from third-party hardware solutions to manufacturer-integrated emergency protocols. It follows a pattern set by Tesla's 2024 lawsuit against EVject regarding breakaway adapter technology by addressing the same demand for rapid departure.

Drivers using this feature should be aware that it results in immediate hardware damage to their vehicle and the charging station. Owners of Model S and Model X vehicles built before 2021 are not supported and cannot utilize this update.

The takeaway

This update prioritizes physical safety over vehicle maintenance by allowing drivers to bypass lockout protocols during dangerous incidents. Drivers should consider this a last-resort option due to the inevitable equipment damage caused by an emergency departure.

Further reading

For more context on how manufacturers are adapting charging infrastructure, see our guide on Electric Vehicles.

Live Poll

Would you prioritize an emergency escape feature even if it intentionally damages your own vehicle?