Tesla Adds Emergency Escape Mode to Vehicles Amid Charging Station Conflicts
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Tesla vehicles gain emergency escape mode for charging station issues.
- New feature allows shifting out of park while connected to charger.
- Updates follow fatal shootings at U.S. charging stations.
- Screen size increases to 16 inches on some models.
- V2L power export feature enhanced for Model 3 and Y.
- V2L feature currently unavailable in the U.S.
Tesla is introducing a new "emergency escape mode" feature for its vehicles sold in the United States. This update allows drivers to shift the gear selector out of park even while the car is still connected to a charging station. Previously, Teslas could not be moved from park when plugged in.
The new feature addresses a growing concern highlighted by violent incidents at charging stations. In May 2023, a dispute over charging spot usage in Denver, Colorado, escalated to a fatal shooting. Another incident in Twin Falls, Idaho, in early August resulted in three deaths at a Tesla charging station. The article notes that similar altercations among Tesla owners have also been documented in Israel when charging spots were not vacated promptly.
In addition to the safety feature, Tesla is also upgrading its models sold in China and the U.S. The main display screen in these vehicles will be enlarged from 15.4 inches to 16 inches. Furthermore, Tesla has enhanced the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability for Model 3 and Model Y, enabling the cars to power external electrical devices through the charging port. This V2L functionality is not available in the U.S. market. Given that Tesla models sold in China are also sold in Israel, the V2L upgrade is expected to reach the Israeli market eventually.
Read the original at Calcalist