Texas Man Arrested After Driving Tesla Cybertruck Into Lake

A man in Texas was taken into custody after he reportedly drove his Tesla Cybertruck into Grapevine Lake to test out its “Wade Mode” feature. However, the vehicle became inoperable and began to fill with water.

The Grapevine Police Department received a call on Monday about a Cybertruck partially submerged near the shore at Katie’s Woods Park boat ramp. When officers arrived, the driver allegedly admitted to intentionally steering the vehicle into the lake to see how the Wade Mode worked. This feature, as Tesla explains, temporarily raises the truck’s ride height and increases pressure on the battery to help it maneuver through shallow waters and challenging terrains.

Unfortunately, this little experiment didn’t go as planned, leaving the Cybertruck unusable under the water. Fortunately, both the driver and a passenger managed to escape the vehicle safely before the water rescue team arrived to retrieve it, and thankfully, no injuries were reported.

Photographs from authorities depicted the stainless steel pickup partially submerged at the boat ramp while emergency crews worked to remove it. The identity of the driver hasn’t been disclosed, but police noted he was arrested for suspected violations, including operating a vehicle in a restricted area and various waterfront safety laws.

The Grapevine Police Department remarked on Facebook that while cars, like the Cybertruck, might seem capable of entering shallow water areas, doing so can lead to both legal issues and safety risks under Texas regulations. Grapevine Lake is a popular spot for locals, known for fishing and boating.

Tesla has indeed been promoting the Cybertruck’s rugged capabilities since its debut in late 2023. Though drivers have shared videos online showcasing the vehicle’s performance in mud and sand, the company does caution against exceeding water conditions that surpass what the vehicle can safely handle.