Tesla rolled out a 'drive away' feature it hopes ‘you never need’
Tesla has introduced an 'Emergency Drive Away' software update that allows vehicles to shift into drive while connected to a Supercharger. The feature is intended for emergency situations and warns that it will cause physical damage to the car and charging equipment.
Why it matters
This feature reflects a rare intersection of automotive technology and personal security, responding to real-world safety concerns at charging stations.
Tesla released a feature that lets the car shift into drive while connected to a charger in case of an emergency. Marcin Golba/NurPhoto via Getty Images Tesla rolled out an update that lets the car quickly drive away while connected to a charger. The update comes after three people at a Tesla charging station in Idaho were shot at. Tesla said the feature is "for emergency use only" and will damage the vehicle and Supercharger. One Tesla employee is calling it "a feature we hope you never need." Tesla on Thursday rolled out an over-the-air software update called "Emergency Drive Away" that would allow the vehicle to quickly shift into drive while plugged into a Supercharging station . Typically, a Tesla does not shift out of park if a cable is detected.
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