Tesla Drive-Away Feature Can Tear Charging Cables

Tesla owners who use Supercharger stations should disconnect fully before using Emergency Drive Away to avoid costly port repairs.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Photo of a charging cable hanging loose from a pale pedestal on an empty sun-bleached concrete parking lot under midday sun. — A Tesla Model 3 driver in Austin accidentally activated the Emergency Drive Away feature at a Supercharger during F1 Grand Prix weekend, tearing the charging cable from the port. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust car safety features that depend on quickly tapping through screen prompts?

A Tesla Model 3 driver accidentally activated the Emergency Drive Away feature at an Austin Supercharger during F1 Grand Prix weekend, driving a few feet before stopping and tearing off the charging cable. The feature is designed for U.S. owners who need to leave a Supercharger quickly without unplugging the vehicle first.

Why it matters

The incident shows how a safety-oriented software feature can cause costly damage to both an EV and its charger when used without fully unplugging. Tesla warns that deliberate misuse of the feature can result in penalties.

Tesla added Emergency Drive Away to its models through a software update, and repairing a damaged Supercharger can cost up to $25,000 according to the company. The affected EV requires a mandatory service visit to check and repair the charging port.

The players

Tesla

Electric vehicle maker known for its Model 3 sedan and the Supercharger network, which added the Emergency Drive Away feature by software update.

Joshalander

Reddit user who uploaded the video of the incident to the TeslaLounge subreddit.

The details

The feature is activated only after warning screens and required driver engagement, so the owner pressed buttons on the screen before the car took off. The vehicle was filmed by another Tesla charging in the adjacent spot, and the video was later uploaded to the TeslaLounge subreddit by Reddit user Joshalander. Tesla's own guidance frames the feature as a way to leave quickly without unplugging, which is why the cable damage occurred when the car moved.

Sunday, around 6 AM: the accidental Emergency Drive Away use occurred at the Austin Supercharger.
August 1, 2026: a separate shooting in Twin Falls, Idaho targeted charging Teslas.

The Home Front

As EV ownership grows, charging-related repair costs are becoming a household budgeting consideration alongside home charger installation and maintenance. Owners who rely on public fast-charging networks should weigh the risk of cable damage against the convenience of quick departures.

If you own a Tesla with Emergency Drive Away, review the warning screens before departing a Supercharger and confirm the cable is fully disconnected. Any damage to the charging port should be inspected by a Tesla service center rather than repaired at home.

The takeaway

Emergency Drive Away is meant for quick exits, but it can damage both the vehicle and the charger when the cable is still attached. Before leaving any fast-charging station, confirm the cable is removed and keep your Tesla's service contact on hand.