ChargingOctober 2, 2026

Teslas can now drive off with a charging cable connected

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Automobile

Teslas can now drive off with a charging cable connected

Tesla has introduced a new feature for its electric vehicles called 'Emergency Drive Away', which allows drivers to move away even with the charging cable plugged in. This is designed to enable people to quickly escape life-threatening emergencies at charging stations.

Image: Daniel Bönnighausen

By Cora Werwitzke

02.10.2026 - 15:00

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According to US media reports, the impetus for this update was a fatal shooting incident two months ago, in which the perpetrator deliberately targeted people in Teslas at a charging station. The manufacturer states that the new function is intended for emergency use only, and emphasises that activating the ‘Emergency Drive Away’ feature and driving away while the cable remains connected will damage “your vehicle and the Supercharger”. Deliberate misuse will therefore incur penalties, though Tesla has not specified what these will be.

Previously, the software prevented shifting into a driving mode while the vehicle was physically connected to a Supercharger. Drivers could only exit Park mode after unlocking the charging connector via the touchscreen, the app, or directly on the charging plug. With the new function, drivers can now shift into Drive mode even while charging is in progress. This activates the ‘Emergency Drive Away’ option on the screen, allowing the vehicle to be driven away with a push of a button.

The new feature requires software update 2026.38.3. It is confirmed that the system will be introduced in the USA. Whether an international rollout is planned remains unclear. Tesla itself has stated on ‘X’ that the function will initially be limited to the US market.

x.com, electrek.co

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