Key facts
- Tesla released an 'Emergency Drive Away' software update.
- The feature allows a Tesla to shift into drive while plugged into a Supercharger.
- Using the feature will damage the vehicle and the Supercharger.
- Misuse of the feature may result in additional penalties.
- The feature was released two months after a shooting near a Tesla Supercharger in Idaho.
Tesla has released an over-the-air software update called 'Emergency Drive Away' that allows vehicles to shift into drive while connected to a Supercharger, a function typically prevented by the car's system. The feature is intended for emergency situations only, with Tesla warning that its use will damage both the vehicle and the Supercharger, and that deliberate misuse could incur further penalties.
The development comes two months after a shooting incident near a Tesla Supercharger in Twin Falls, Idaho, where one victim was inside a Tesla at the time. Max de Zegher, Tesla's senior director of charging in North America, described the feature as one "we hope you never need," emphasizing that the company selects Supercharger locations with safety in mind and aims to ensure users feel secure. He noted that the feature was developed after years of consideration, and its continued availability depends on responsible use.