'We wouldn't encourage willingly driving your vehicle into the water' — man arrested for driving Cybertruck into a lake to test its Wade Mode, police say | Tech Radar

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'We wouldn't encourage willingly driving your vehicle into the water' — man arrested for driving Cybertruck into a lake to test its Wade Mode, police say

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A Texas man has been accused of intentionally driving his Tesla into a lake

Partially submerged vehicle was removed by a rescue team

Cybertruck has a max wade depth of just 81.5cm (32in)

A Tesla driver has been arrested in Texas after “intentionally” piloting his Cybertruck into a lake in order to test the Wade Mode feature, police say.

The divisive, angular electric vehicle, which was launched in 2019 alongside claims of it being partially bulletproof and able to tackle the toughest terrain, features an official maximum wading depth of 81.5cm (32in), according to Tesla's online manual.

But one hapless owner quickly found the limits of Tesla’s technology after deliberately entering Grapevine Lake in north Texas this week, according to police. Rescue services said they found the vehicle abandoned by the driver and passengers after it took on water and became stuck.

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Subsequently, the driver was arrested on charges of operating a vehicle in a closed section of the lake and for other water safety equipment violations, police said according to the BBC.

Both the police and the Grapevine Fire Department Water Rescue Team were called to remove the Cybertruck from the shoreline.

Police said in a statement that "although a vehicle may be physically capable of entering shallow freshwater areas, doing so can create legal and safety concerns under Texas law".

Ever since its launch, numerous websites and social media channels have been testing the claimed robustness of Tesla’s Cybertruck, with mixed results.

Whistlin Diesel’s brutal You Tube video caused a stir when it went live a year ago, showing important parts of the Cybertruck seemingly physically coming away from the frame when subjected to numerous abusive tests.

Similarly, Motor Trend’s detailed off-road analysis concluded that Cybertruck has the makings of greatness but doesn’t really deliver the important stuff.

Its reporters claimed that visibility was poor, the range was zapped during off-road driving and the lack of a spare tire was ‘amateur hour’.

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Customers are also finding myriad reliability issues with their trucks, including but not limited to alleged rusting panels, flyaway wheel covers, tonneau cover leaks and, perhaps more worrying still, wheels that could fall off.

With regards to Wade Mode, Tesla states on its website that it is the driver's responsibility "to gauge the depth of any body of water before entering", adding that "damage or water ingress to Cybertruck as a result of driving in water is not covered by the warranty".

But with all of the bold claims before, during and after the Cybertruck's launch, it is no wonder customers place faith in the EV's abilities.

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Leon has been navigating a world where automotive and tech collide for almost 20 years, reporting on everything from in-car entertainment to robotised manufacturing plants. Currently, EVs are the focus of his attentions, but give it a few years and it will be electric vertical take-off and landing craft. Outside of work hours, he can be found tinkering with distinctly analogue motorcycles, because electric motors are no replacement for an old Honda inline four.

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News, deals, reviews, guides and more on the newest computing gadgets
Start exploring exclusive deals, expert advice and more
Unlock and manage exclusive Techradar member rewards
Unlock instant access to exclusive member features
Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards