A Tesla Cybertruck ended up partially submerged in a lake in Texas after its driver allegedly attempted to test the vehicle’s controversial “Wade Mode” feature.
Dramatic footage circulating online showed the futuristic electric pickup truck driving dangerously close to the edge of Grapevine Lake before becoming trapped by the water current.
Moments later, the vehicle could be seen floating as the driver struggled to maintain control while water rapidly entered the Cybertruck.
As the situation worsened, the truck slowly disappeared beneath the surface, forcing both the driver and a passenger to escape through the passenger-side window before swimming back to shore safely.
Later footage showed the abandoned Cybertruck leaning heavily to one side while partially stuck in the lake.
According to the Grapevine Police Department, officers were called to the scene on Monday after reports that the vehicle had become stranded in the water.
Authorities said the Cybertruck had been abandoned after taking on too much water.
Police later arrested the driver on suspicion of operating a vehicle in a restricted section of the lake, along with additional water safety violations.
In a statement, police said the driver admitted he intentionally drove into the lake to test the Cybertruck’s “Wade Mode” capability.
Tesla’s official manual states that the feature allows the vehicle to drive through bodies of water such as rivers or creeks with a maximum depth of approximately 81.5 centimetres.
However, Tesla also warns drivers that it remains their responsibility to judge water depth before entering and clearly states that water damage caused while driving through water is not covered under warranty.
Katharina Gamboa from the Grapevine Police Department warned motorists against attempting similar stunts.
“We wouldn’t encourage willingly driving your vehicle into the water,” she said.
“Not only is it a safety concern, but it can also become a legal issue.”
The Tesla Cybertruck, which features a stainless-steel body and futuristic design, was first unveiled by Elon Musk in 2019 before officially going on sale in 2023.
The electric pickup reportedly starts at more than US$70,000 (approximately RM330,000).
The Cybertruck has previously attracted global attention for several controversial incidents, including its now-famous 2019 launch event when Tesla’s supposedly “armoured” glass windows shattered during a live durability demonstration involving a metal ball thrown at the vehicle.
