Nettavisen: Tesla releases Emergency Drive Away feature to force disconnect

Tesla has released a software update introducing a feature called Emergency Drive Away, allowing drivers to force their vehicles into gear and detach from a charging port, according to Nettavisen. The update follows an August shooting incident at a Supercharger station in Idaho.

Idaho Shooting Prompts Supercharger Safety Update

The safety update responds to an August shooting incident at a Supercharger station in Idaho where multiple Tesla users were killed and injured. Three of the victims were inside their vehicles while charging. Because vehicles previously could not shift into drive while plugged in, drivers remained locked to the station unless they exited manually to disconnect the cable. Many owners began using unauthorized adapters to bypass the lock despite Tesla warning of overheating risks.

Emergency Disconnect Feature Requires Manual Confirmation

The wireless software update removes the need for third-party adapters. When a vehicle is plugged in and shifted into gear, a screen prompt now appears offering the emergency disconnect feature. Drivers must hold down the brake pedal and confirm activation on the screen to use the function, allowing the car to drive away while the cable remains attached. The feature currently operates only in the United States on Superchargers, and older vehicle models such as Model S and Model X produced before 2021 are not supported.

Emergency Disconnect Causes Severe Vehicle and Station Damage

Tesla emphasizes that the function is strictly for absolute emergencies because it inflicts severe damage on both the vehicle and the charging station. A demonstration video published by Tesla Charging shows the charging plug snapping out of the port, debris flying through the air, and the cable whipping back violently when the car accelerates. Tesla reports that repair costs for the charging station can reach 25,000 dollars, exceeding 260,000 Norwegian kroner.