A man from Texas was arrested by police after intentionally driving a Tesla Cybertruck into a lake to test its water-wading function. The vehicle was damaged and partially submerged, requiring a coordinated rescue effort.
Grapevine police in northern Texas revealed that officers were called on Monday to recover a Tesla Cybertruck trapped in Grapevine Lake. The driver and passenger abandoned the vehicle and escaped as water began entering and the vehicle became inoperable.
According to a police statement, the driver admitted to deliberately driving into the water to test the Cybertruck's Wade Mode, which temporarily enhances the vehicle's ability to traverse water. However, the vehicle stalled and began sinking.
Authorities arrested the man on charges of driving into a restricted lake area and violating water safety equipment regulations.
Subsequently, Grapevine's water rescue team from the fire department joined the operation to recover the partially submerged Cybertruck from the southern shore of the lake.
Tesla's online manual states that "Wade Mode" enables the Cybertruck to drive through shallow water such as streams or rivers up to about 81.5 centimeters (32 inches) deep by adjusting ride height and other systems for water traversal.
However, Tesla clearly emphasizes that drivers must assess water depth themselves before entering, and any damage caused by water or water fording is not covered under the vehicle's warranty.
The company further advises that if water is too deep, drivers should promptly return to shallow or dry land and avoid driving in strong currents or fast-flowing water.
Grapevine police warned that although the vehicle may technically handle shallow water, driving into water can still cause legal and safety issues.
Grapevine police officer Katharina Gamboa told local media, “Authorities do not recommend anyone intentionally driving into water because it is not only dangerous but may also be against the law.”
The Tesla Cybertruck is an electric pickup truck with a futuristic design, made from a special steel similar to that used in the aerospace industry. It was first unveiled in 2019 and began customer deliveries in 2023, with a starting price above $70,000, approximately 2.5 million baht.
Source:BBC
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