Tesla says its Cybertruck are designed for “superior durability.” But not enough to be reliable transportation in a lake, as a Texas driver learned this week.
Police and fire department officials in Grapevine headed to Katie’s Woods Park Boat Ramp Monday, where they found a Tesla Cybertruck in the water, near the shoreline.
The driver told police he intentionally drove into the lake to test the Cybertruck’s “Wade Mode” feature for shallow water crossings. The truck became disabled in Grapevine Lake and had to be removed by the Grapevine Fire Department Water Rescue Team.
The driver was arrested on charges of operating a vehicle in a closed section of a park or lake and “numerous” water safety equipment violations, police said.
Grapevine police reminded drivers that even if a vehicle can enter shallow freshwater areas, doing so can create legal and safety concerns under Texas law.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has spoken optimistically of the Cybertruck’s capabilities, suggesting the vehicle would someday be used to get from SpaceX’s Starbase to South Padre Island in South Texas. In a 2022 post, Musk said perhaps the Cybertruck could “serve briefly as a boat.”
But Tesla warns in the Cybertruck Owner’s Manual that “it is your responsibility to gauge the depth of any body of water before entering,” and notes that damage caused by driving in water is not covered by the warranty.
The manual also notes that the maximum wade depth is approximately 32 inches measuring from the bottom of the tire. Meanwhile, Grapevine Lake has a maximum depth of 65 feet, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department notes.
The owner’s manual goes on to instruct drivers not to try wading into waters that are too deep.
“Always inspect underwater conditions (such as debris, etc.) before entering and use your best judgment,” Tesla’s manual notes. “Take care to drive slowly and safely. If the water is too deep, return to more shallow water or dry land.”