A man in Texas was arrested after a unique test involving his Tesla Cybertruck did not go as planned. He tried the vehicle’s ‘Wade Mode’ feature by intentionally driving into Grapevine Lake, according to the Grapevine Police Department. The Cybertruck became disabled and began taking on water after the test.
Police responded to the incident on Monday at Katie’s Woods Park Boat Ramp following reports of a partially submerged Cybertruck near the shoreline. The driver informed officers that he drove the truck into the lake intentionally to test the ‘Wade Mode.’ This feature is supposed to temporarily lift the truck’s ride height and enhance the battery system for navigating shallow waters and tough terrains.
The experiment quickly turned sour when the vehicle stopped functioning in the water. The driver and his passengers exited the truck safely before the Grapevine Fire Department Water Rescue Team arrived to help remove the vehicle from the lake. No injuries were reported in the incident.
Photos from the scene showed the Cybertruck partly underwater at the boat ramp as rescue crews worked to retrieve it.
The identity of the driver remains undisclosed. Authorities arrested him at the site for several charges, including operating a vehicle in a restricted area of the park or lake and violating water safety equipment regulations.
The Grapevine Police Department emphasized the importance of safety and legal compliance on their Facebook page. They reminded drivers that while some vehicles might handle shallow freshwater environments, doing so can lead to legal issues and safety risks under Texas law.
Grapevine Lake is a favored location for recreational activities like boating and fishing in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Tesla marketed the Cybertruck since its launch in late 2023 for its robust off-road abilities. The ‘Wade Mode’ is specifically made for shallow water crossings, but Tesla advises drivers to steer clear of water conditions beyond what the vehicle can handle.