A Tesla driver has been caught on camera activating the automaker’s new Emergency Drive Away feature at a Supercharger, pulling away from the charging stall while the vehicle was still plugged in.
According to a video shared on Reddit, the driver appeared to ignore multiple warnings before driving away with the charging cable still connected.
The 52-second clip, shows the driver pull forward while the vehicle is still connected to the charger, causing the connector to separate from the car. The Model 3 continues driving out of the stall, with the driver soon realizing his mistake after exiting the vehicle to survey the damage.
Saw someone accidentally use the new emergency drive away feature
by u/Joshalander in TeslaLounge
Tesla introduced Emergency Drive Away earlier this month, allowing drivers to leave a Supercharger without first disconnecting the charging cable, but as the name implies, only in the case of an emergency.
To activate the feature, drivers must shift into Drive while still plugged in, hold the brake pedal, and tap Activate on an on-screen warning. Tesla has also shared what these warnings look like, making it clear that the driver wasn’t paying attention and had to acknowledge and dismiss the warnings before pulling away from the Supercharger.
Tesla said deliberate misuse will invoke additional penalties and that electrical and civil repair costs can reach US$25,000 (C$35,100), depending on the Supercharger involved. A mandatory service visit is also required for the vehicle’s charge port.
Given this is the first instance of someone accidentally using the feature, it is unclear if Tesla will pay this repair bill or make the owner pay for it.
The feature was introduced following an August shooting at a Supercharger in Twin Falls, Idaho, where three people inside Tesla vehicles were shot.
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