Tesla introduces an amazing feature to quickly leave a Supercharger in case of danger
Tesla has recently deployed a feature called “Emergency Drive Away” in the United States. In case of danger, this new system allows the driver to start the vehicle and leave a Supercharger without getting out of the car to disconnect the cable. It is a drastic solution that intentionally damages both the car and the charging station, but it addresses a safety issue.
Leaving without getting out of the car
Under normal circumstances, it’s impossible to hit the road with an electric car still connected to its charger. It’s a basic safety measure. Yet Tesla has just introduced an exception. And it’s clearly not a feature meant to be used because one is in a hurry to get back on the road... Called “Emergency Drive Away,” this new feature allows a Tesla to shift into drive mode even when the Supercharger cable is still connected.
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Until now, the car remained locked in “P” position as long as the connector hadn’t been unlocked and removed. That’s normal! With the 2026.38.3 update, a driver facing a dangerous situation can force the car into forward drive. A message then appears on the center screen offering to activate emergency departure. The driver must keep the brake pedal pressed and confirm the command before the car can move.
Before attempting this maneuver, however, one must accept its consequences. Tesla warns that it will inevitably damage both the vehicle and the Supercharger. The manufacturer also states that intentional misuse may result in penalties. In other words, if there’s no immediate danger, it’s better to continue unplugging the car normally!
Emergency Drive Away allows you to shift into drive mode while still connected to a Supercharger https://t.co/40GSzyP4lG
— Tesla Charging (@TeslaCharging) 2026-10-01T22:53:56.000Z
A feature that emerged after a shooting
Although Tesla does not officially present this new feature as a direct result of a specific incident, it was introduced two months after a shooting occurred on August 1 in Twin Falls, Idaho. The shots targeted people inside Teslas that were charging in a parking lot with a Supercharger nearby. Three people died and several others were injured.
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The incident reignited discussions about a problem specific to electric cars: when a vehicle is charging, its driver may be forced to exit and physically remove the cable before they can flee. Several owners have since called for a solution that would allow them to leave immediately.
For now, this feature is available only at Superchargers located in the United States. It works with compatible vehicles equipped with software version 2026.38.3, except notably for Model S and Model X vehicles produced before 2021. Tesla has not yet announced its availability in Europe, but it might become available there someday as well.
