Tesla adds 'Emergency Drive Away' after fatal Supercharger shooting
Tesla's new feature lets US drivers leave a Supercharger while plugged in, following a deadly shooting in Idaho, but warns of vehicle and charger damage if used.
Tesla has launched a new safety feature called 'Emergency Drive Away' that allows drivers to shift into Drive and leave a Supercharger station while still plugged in. This update follows a fatal incident at a charging site in Twin Falls, Idaho, where three people were shot and one died. The new feature is currently limited to the US market and requires software version 2026.38.3. It is not supported on Model S and Model X vehicles built before 2021.
Tesla Introduces 'Emergency Drive Away' After Supercharger Shooting
Background: Twin Falls Supercharger Shooting
The introduction of this feature follows a violent event at a Tesla Supercharger in Twin Falls, Idaho. In that incident, three people were shot, and one person died. The attack raised concerns about the vulnerability of drivers at charging stations, where vehicles are immobilised while plugged in. Although Tesla did not refer directly to the shooting in its announcement, the timing of the update and its intended function appear to address the security risks highlighted by the tragedy. Public charging points have generally been considered safe, but rare violent incidents have prompted calls for improved safety measures.
How 'Emergency Drive Away' Works
Normally, Teslas are locked in place while charging at a Supercharger, preventing the car from being driven away until the cable is unplugged. The 'Emergency Drive Away' feature allows drivers to override this lockout and move their car even while it is still connected to the charger. This could enable a rapid escape if a driver feels threatened or is in immediate danger at a charging station.
- Available only in the US
- Requires software update 2026.38.3
- Not supported on Model S and Model X built before 2021
Tesla has made it clear that using this feature will cause physical damage to both the vehicle and the Supercharger hardware. The company also warns that drivers who misuse the function outside of genuine emergencies will face penalties. This reflects a trade-off: prioritising personal safety over potential hardware damage in extreme situations.
Who Can Use the Feature?
The update is available only to Tesla vehicles in the US running software version 2026.38.3. Owners of Model S and Model X vehicles built before 2021 are not eligible for the feature. Tesla has not indicated whether 'Emergency Drive Away' will be offered in other markets or expanded to older vehicles in the future.
| Model | Year | Eligible for Feature? |
|---|---|---|
| Model 3 | All years | Yes |
| Model Y | All years | Yes |
| Model S | Before 2021 | No |
| Model S | 2021 and later | Yes |
| Model X | Before 2021 | No |
| Model X | 2021 and later | Yes |
Safety at Charging Stations
The launch of 'Emergency Drive Away' has brought renewed attention to the risks faced by electric vehicle owners at public charging locations. While violent incidents at charging stations are rare, the Twin Falls shooting has highlighted the need for emergency options. Tesla's approach focuses on giving drivers a way to leave quickly, even if it means damaging equipment. However, the company has not announced any additional measures to improve physical security or monitoring at Supercharger sites.
Some Tesla owners have expressed concern about being unable to leave quickly if they feel unsafe while charging. The new feature addresses this by allowing an immediate escape, but it comes with the risk of costly repairs and possible penalties if used in non-emergency situations. The balance between occupant safety and equipment protection remains a topic of discussion among electric vehicle communities.
No Broader Changes Announced
Tesla has not announced any changes to Supercharger station security, such as increased surveillance or staff presence. The introduction of 'Emergency Drive Away' appears to be a targeted response to a specific safety concern rather than a wider change in charging protocols. There is no current indication that the feature will be rolled out internationally or to older vehicle models.
Summary of 'Emergency Drive Away'
- Allows Tesla drivers to leave a Supercharger while still plugged in during emergencies
- Introduced following a fatal shooting at a Twin Falls, Idaho Supercharger
- Available only in the US with software update 2026.38.3
- Not supported on Model S and Model X built before 2021
- Tesla warns of vehicle and charger damage if used, with penalties for misuse
