Tesla's 'Emergency Drive Away' sees its first real-world use — apparently by mistake at a Supercharger
Tesla's Emergency Drive Away, which rips the charge connector out, was seen in use for the first time at an Austin Supercharger on F1 weekend — repairs can cost up to $25,000, and misuse falls on the owner.
Per Teslarati, the Emergency Drive Away function launched a few months ago got its first real-world use — apparently by mistake rather than danger. A Reddit r/TeslaLounge post says an owner charging around 6 a.m. on the Sunday of F1 weekend in Austin heard a pop and saw it trigger on a neighboring car. The driver looked tired and seemed not to have read the prompt.
The function disconnects the charging connector but damages both car and Supercharger; Tesla says restoration can cost up to $25,000, and a driver who triggers it without an emergency pays all repair costs.
Tesla's justified uses: an immediate threat to life or personal safety, needing to leave at once, it being unsafe to exit the vehicle, or unplugging causing an unreasonable delay or safety risk. A service appointment is required afterward to inspect the car.
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