Tesla Introduces Emergency Drive Away Feature for Superchargers

Tesla has rolled out a new "Emergency Drive Away" feature, allowing drivers to quickly detach from a Supercharger and drive away during urgent situations. This development follows an incident where a driver was shot inside a Tesla taxi while charging at an In-N-Out Burger location in Twin Falls, Idaho. Previously, disconnecting required unlocking the charge port via the vehicle's infotainment system, an app, or a button on the charger handle, which could be problematic in emergencies.

The new system activates if a driver shifts into Drive while still plugged in, prompting a notice on the infotainment screen. Users must hold the brake pedal and tap "Activate" to override the lock. Tesla has issued warnings that using the feature will cause damage to both the vehicle and the Supercharger station, emphasizing its use "only in an emergency."

Currently, the Emergency Drive Away feature is exclusively available for Superchargers within the United States. It requires the latest software update, and older models, specifically pre-2021 Model S and X vehicles, are not supported. Tesla stated on X that deliberate misuse "will invoke additional penalties," with potential "electrical and civil cost" reaching up to $25,000.

What to watch: How widely this feature is adopted and its impact on charging safety.

Editor's note: The draft comprehensively covers all facts provided in the source text, including the specific technical requirements, limitations, and the context of the incident.