Tesla Adds Emergency Escape Feature and Display Upgrades to US and China Models
Tesla introduces an emergency escape feature allowing US vehicles to shift out of park while plugged in, following violent disputes at charging stations.
Tesla has introduced a new emergency escape feature for vehicles sold in the United States, allowing drivers to shift out of park while still connected to a charging station. Previously, the vehicle's gear selector was locked in park during charging. While driving away while connected can cause damage to both the car and the charger, the update was developed in response to violent security incidents at charging locations.
In May 2023, a dispute over a charging station in Denver, Colorado, ended in a fatal shooting, followed by another deadly incident in Twin Falls, Idaho, in August. Similar disputes over occupied chargers have also been documented in Israel. The feature is designed to allow drivers to flee dangerous situations rapidly.
Additionally, Tesla announced hardware and software upgrades for models marketed in China and the United States. Models produced for the Chinese market, which are also imported to Israel, feature an increased main display size from 15.4 inches to 16 inches. Furthermore, Tesla upgraded the V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) capabilities for Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, enhancing the ability to power external electrical appliances directly from the vehicle's charging port.
