19:05Machine-translated from Azerbaijani by AIRead in Azerbaijani
Tesla introduces feature for driving away with charging cable connected in an emergency
Tesla has released the “Emergency Drive Away” feature, which allows a vehicle to drive away in an emergency without disconnecting the charging cable. The new feature works at Supercharger stations in the US following the latest software update. It was developed after an armed attack at a charging station in Twin Falls, Idaho, in August.
The shooting occurred at a station near an In-N-Out Burger restaurant. During the incident, 7 people were injured and 4 were killed. One of those injured was a Tesla owner who was charging their vehicle. The 24-year-old attacker later killed himself. After the incident, drivers asked the company for a way to leave the station quickly in the event of danger. Normally, the cable connector locks into the Tesla charging port during charging, preventing the vehicle from moving. If drive mode is selected while the cable is connected, the new feature displays a warning on the screen. The driver must hold down the brake pedal and tap the activation button on the screen. After confirmation, the system releases the lock, allowing the vehicle to drive away immediately. As soon as the vehicle begins moving, the charging connector breaks off and falls to the ground. As a result, the vehicle, connector and Supercharger equipment may be damaged. According to the company, damage to electrical equipment and property could amount to 25 000 dollars (approximately 42 500 manat). It is not yet clear whether the driver would be required to pay this amount in a genuine emergency.
For now, the feature works only in the US. It cannot be used in Model S and Model X vehicles produced before 2021. The latest software version must be installed in the vehicle for the feature to work. Tesla said that those who deliberately misuse it will face an additional penalty, but did not explain what that would entail. It is also unknown when the new feature will become available in other countries. Independent manufacturers have previously tested the idea of driving away without disconnecting the cable in the event of danger. In 2024, EVject developed an adapter for Tesla Supercharger and other charging stations that breaks away when the vehicle moves. Tesla sued the company, arguing that the adapter could overheat, but dropped the lawsuit that same year. EVject says its product is safe.
The shooting occurred at a station near an In-N-Out Burger restaurant. During the incident, 7 people were injured and 4 were killed. One of those injured was a Tesla owner who was charging their vehicle. The 24-year-old attacker later killed himself. After the incident, drivers asked the company for a way to leave the station quickly in the event of danger. Normally, the cable connector locks into the Tesla charging port during charging, preventing the vehicle from moving. If drive mode is selected while the cable is connected, the new feature displays a warning on the screen. The driver must hold down the brake pedal and tap the activation button on the screen. After confirmation, the system releases the lock, allowing the vehicle to drive away immediately. As soon as the vehicle begins moving, the charging connector breaks off and falls to the ground. As a result, the vehicle, connector and Supercharger equipment may be damaged. According to the company, damage to electrical equipment and property could amount to 25 000 dollars (approximately 42 500 manat). It is not yet clear whether the driver would be required to pay this amount in a genuine emergency. For now, the feature works only in the US. It cannot be used in Model S and Model X vehicles produced before 2021. The latest software version must be installed in the vehicle for the feature to work. Tesla said that those who deliberately misuse it will face an additional penalty, but did not explain what that would entail. It is also unknown when the new feature will become available in other countries. Independent manufacturers have previously tested the idea of driving away without disconnecting the cable in the event of danger. In 2024, EVject developed an adapter for Tesla Supercharger and other charging stations that breaks away when the vehicle moves. Tesla sued the company, arguing that the adapter could overheat, but dropped the lawsuit that same year. EVject says its product is safe.