In the US state of Texas, police have arrested a man on charges of intentionally driving his Tesla Cybertruck into Lake Grapevine. According to an official statement from the local police department, the incident happened in North Texas when the driver decided to test a special feature of the vehicle called “Wade Mode”, which is intended for amphibious driving through shallow water – but, as it turns out, not through deep water.
Police and emergency services were called to the location after reports of a vehicle in the water near the shore. Upon arrival at the scene, it was determined that a silver electric pickup truck was partially submerged and stuck in the water, with the driver and passengers abandoning it before calling for help.
Failed technology testing
During the police investigation, the driver stated that he knowingly entered the lake with the intention of activating the “Wade Mode” system. According to Tesla’s official manual, this mode allows the Cybertruck to enter and drive through bodies of water, such as rivers or streams. The system is technically designed to overcome a water depth of up to 81.5 centimeters (32″), measured from the bottom of the tire, with a maximum driving speed of 2-5 km/h. However, shortly after entering the lake, water began to penetrate the vehicle. Due to the failure of the system and the impossibility of further movement, the interior of the vehicle was partially flooded, and the car remained stuck.
Because of this action, Texas police arrested the driver. He is charged with operating a motor vehicle in an enclosed area of a park and lake, as well as several serious offenses related to not having prescribed water safety equipment. The Cybertruck was pulled out of the lake by the joint action of police and fire brigade divers.