Testing the 'Wade Mode' feature, man sinks Cybertruck in a lake
A man in Texas, United States, was arrested by police after being seen deliberately driving his Tesla Cybertruck into a lake. The driver did this test to try out the Wade Mode feature (mode to traverse water) embedded in the premium electric vehicle.
The Grapevine Police Department reported that officers were summoned to Grapevine Lake in North Texas to rescue the vehicle. The electric pickup was abandoned by the driver and passenger after the car took on water and became stranded in the middle of the lake.
According to Tesla’s official manual, Wade Mode actually lets the Cybertruck enter and traverse water such as rivers or streams with a maximum depth of 81.5 centimetres (32 inches). However, the driver’s self-imposed test ended up in a flop.
“The driver stated that he deliberately drove into the lake to use Cybertruck’s ‘Wade Mode’,” the police said in a statement. After the action, “the vehicle became inoperable and flooded.”
As a result, the driver was arrested on charges of operating a vehicle in a submerged lake area, and other water safety offences. The rescue of the partly submerged vehicle near the lake’s southern shore involved the Grapevine Fire Department’s Water Rescue Team.
Police emphasised that the vehicle’s physical capability does not automatically legalise dangerous conduct in public places.
“We do not advise deliberately driving your vehicle into the water,” said Katharina Gamboa of the Grapevine Police Department. “You know, not only is it a safety issue, but it is also a legal issue.”
Tesla Cybertruck is a stainless-steel body, electric pickup priced from $70,000. While marketed for high durability, Tesla explicitly states in the owner’s manual that water depth is entirely the driver’s responsibility.
Additionally, the manufacturer emphasises that damage or water ingress to the Cybertruck resulting from driving in water will not be covered by the warranty. Tesla also warns drivers not to drive in water that is deep or flowing rapidly.