Tesla and Cadillac announce new vehicle software updates and recalls

Tesla has introduced a new software feature called ‘Emergency Drive Away’, allowing certain vehicles to move while a charging cable remains connected to a Supercharger. This feature is intended strictly for emergency situations where a driver must vacate a charging location immediately. Tesla warns that improper use of this function could cause significant damage to both the vehicle and the charging equipment, with repair costs potentially reaching $25,000. Currently, the feature is limited to specific software versions and is only available for Superchargers in the United States, excluding older Model S and Model X units.

Separately, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced a recall for approximately 29,347 Cadillac Optic electric vehicles from the 2025, 2026, and 2027 model years. The recall addresses a defect in the electric window anti-pinch protection system. When using the remote key fob to close windows quickly, the system may fail to detect obstructions during the final 13mm of closure, posing an injury risk. General Motors plans to resolve this via an over-the-air (OTA) software update, which can be completed in approximately 10 minutes.