Tesla Launched Emergency Drive Away Feature
The new update allows drivers to shift into gear while connected to a Supercharger during emergency situations.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Tesla has released the Emergency Drive Away feature, which removes the software lockout that prevents shifting out of Park while a charger is plugged in. This update, available only in the United States, was developed to help drivers escape Supercharger stations during emergencies.
Why it matters
The feature was introduced in response to driver requests for a faster exit method following recent safety incidents, including a 2026 shooting at a Twin Falls, Idaho station. By allowing for a quick departure, it provides an alternative to remaining stationary during critical security threats.
The Emergency Drive Away feature requires software update 2026.38.3. Note that this feature is not supported on Model S and Model X vehicles built before 2021.
The players
Tesla
An American manufacturer of electric vehicles and energy storage systems known for its proprietary Supercharger network.
EVject
A developer of breakaway adapter technology designed for electric vehicle charging cables.
The details
The system works by bypassing the software lock that secures the vehicle while plugged into a Supercharger. Drivers should be aware that using this emergency feature to drive away while the cable is still attached will cause physical damage to both the vehicle and the charging station. This release follows a 2024 lawsuit between Tesla and EVject, which previously marketed a $299 breakaway adapter designed to detach at high temperatures.
Timeline
A Tesla driver was killed at a Colorado Supercharger in 2023.
Tesla sued EVject over a breakaway adapter in 2024.
A shooting occurred at a Twin Falls, Idaho, Supercharger on August 1, 2026.
Tesla launched the Emergency Drive Away feature on October 1, 2026.
The Home Front
This feature marks a shift in electric vehicle design, prioritizing rapid evacuation capability over traditional cable-locking safety protocols. It follows a precedent set by the 2026 Twin Falls Supercharger shooting, which underscored the need for enhanced exit options at charging sites.
If you drive a Tesla, check your software version under the vehicle settings menu to see if you have received update 2026.38.3. Remember that this feature is strictly for emergencies, as driving away with a connected cable will require professional repairs to your vehicle's charge port.
The takeaway
Tesla's new emergency feature prioritizes driver safety by enabling a quick exit during high-stress situations. Drivers should verify their software version 2026.38.3 and remember that this feature is intended to bypass standard locking protocols only in genuine emergency scenarios.
Further reading
For more information on the latest charging technology, visit Electric Vehicles.
Live Poll
Would you prioritize an emergency escape feature even if it intentionally damages your own vehicle?
