A Tesla driver in Austin accidentally activated the company’s Emergency Drive Away feature, pulling away from a Supercharger while still connected and tearing the charging cable from the vehicle.

The incident occurred during Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend and was recorded by another Tesla owner charging in the neighboring space. Video shows the dark blue Model 3’s driver interacting with the center screen before the car moves forward a few feet and stops. The connected cable is pulled from the charging equipment, after which the driver exits the vehicle and appears to realize what happened.

Feature intended for emergencies

Tesla recently introduced Emergency Drive Away through a software update for U.S. vehicles. The feature is designed to let drivers leave a Supercharger quickly without manually disconnecting the vehicle, but Tesla warns that using it can damage both the car and the charging equipment.

The system is protected by warning screens and requires driver interaction before activation. However, the Austin incident has renewed concerns about the possibility of someone accepting the prompts without fully reading them.

The video was shared on the TeslaLounge subreddit by Tesla owner Joshalander, who said the incident happened around 6 a.m. before heading to the F1 race. The owner reportedly appeared tired and may have proceeded through the prompts without understanding their consequences.

Potential repair costs

Tesla warns that deliberate misuse of Emergency Drive Away can result in penalties. The company says repairing a damaged Supercharger can cost as much as $25,000, while the vehicle must undergo a service visit to inspect and repair its charging port.

One commenter with an IT background described accidental activation as foreseeable, arguing that people can become accustomed to clicking through warning messages without reading them. Joshalander suggested stronger visual and audio warnings, such as a flashing red display and a loud emergency alert, while still preserving quick access for drivers facing a genuine emergency.

The feature’s purpose is to provide a rapid escape from an emergency, so additional warnings would need to balance preventing mistakes with maintaining that intended speed. The source also notes that the feature was developed after an August 1, 2026, shooting in Twin Falls, Idaho, in which people charging Teslas were among the targets.