Texas Man Arrested After Cybertruck Experiment Goes Awry

A Texas man recently faced arrest after intentionally driving his Tesla Cybertruck into Grapevine Lake. This action aimed to test the vehicle’s ‘Wade Mode’ feature, yet the truck became disabled and began to take in water. Officers arrived at Katie’s Woods Park Boat Ramp following reports of a Cybertruck partially submerged near the lakeshore, according to the Grapevine Police Department.

The driver reportedly informed officers that he drove the vehicle into the lake on purpose. His intention was to test the ‘Wade Mode,’ which Tesla claims to enhance the truck’s ride height and battery pressurization for navigating shallow water and tough terrain. Officials stated that the test went wrong quickly, leaving the Cybertruck unable to function while in the water.

Despite the mishap, the driver and passengers exited the vehicle safely before the Grapevine Fire Department Water Rescue Team removed the truck from the lake. Police confirmed that no injuries occurred during the incident.

Images released by authorities depicted the steel pickup partially submerged at the boat ramp while emergency crews attempted recovery operations from the water. Though the driver’s name remains undisclosed, he was arrested on charges including operating a vehicle within closed sections of a park or lake and breaching multiple water safety equipment regulations, according to police.

“We want to remind drivers that although a vehicle may be physically capable of entering shallow freshwater areas, doing so can create legal and safety concerns under Texas law,”

added the Grapevine Police Department in a Facebook post. Grapevine Lake notably serves as a favored spot for boating and fishing within the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Tesla has emphasized the Cybertruck’s sturdy off-road capabilities since its launch late in 2023. The incident arises amid videos online showcasing Cybertruck owners testing the electric pickup’s endurance in challenging conditions like mud, sand, and water crossings. Tesla advises using ‘Wade Mode’ for shallow waters but cautions against surpassing the vehicle’s limitations.