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Attempt To Use The “Wading Mode” Of The Cybertruck Ends In Rescue In California And Raises Questions About Tesla Promises
A Cybertruck owner in Truckee, California, ended up getting stuck after trying to test one of the boldest statements made by Elon Musk: the vehicle’s capability to “act as a boat” and “cross rivers.” The incident caught attention on social media and reignited the debate about Tesla’s promises.
The vehicle, valued at US$ 100,000, got stuck in the mud after the owner activated the Cybertruck’s “Wading Mode.” The goal was to cross a stretch of water, but the attempt did not end well. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) had to intervene to rescue the truck.
The CHP itself commented on the case in a post on Facebook. “The Cybertruck activated the ‘Wading Mode’… and went a bit too far…,” wrote a trucker from the agency.
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The message also warned: “We’re all for testing limits… but maybe not the waterline. Remember, folks, ‘Wading Mode’ is not ‘Submarine Mode.’ If your plans include exploring nature, make sure you know your limits and the terrain.”
Understand The “Wading Mode”
The Cybertruck was designed with a feature called “Wading Mode,” which raises the vehicle’s suspension and pressurizes the battery to allow for driving in shallow waters. However, the function does not guarantee safety in deep water crossings or for navigation.
Moreover, as highlighted by Electrek, Tesla makes it clear that its warranty does not cover water damage in situations like this. Therefore, relying solely on promotional statements can be costly for owners.
The Cybertruck, being constructed from metal and weighing around 3,000 kg, is susceptible to sinking, both in water and mud. This significant weight makes the vehicle clumsy in difficult terrains, especially when operated by drivers with no prior off-road experience.
Elon Musk’s Promises
Before the launch of the production version of the Cybertruck, Elon Musk stated that the vehicle would be “waterproof enough” to briefly act as a boat. In a post on the social network X, Musk mentioned that the Cybertruck would be able to cross rivers, lakes, and not-too-choppy seas.
He also stated that the goal was to cross the approximately 360 meters between the SpaceX base (Starbase) and South Padre Island in Texas. However, these promises have raised doubts among experts and users.
The recent case reinforces the need to differentiate marketing from real-world use. As explained by Electrek, it is common for Cybertruck owners, many of whom are novices in off-road driving, to make mistakes that would put even traditional trucks in difficulties.
Previous Incidents
This was not the first Cybertruck to encounter water-related issues. Another similar episode occurred when an owner attempted to launch a jet ski, and the vehicle ended up partially sinking.
Despite the incident in California, there is no official information about severe damage to the Cybertruck involved. The released images suggest that the damages were minimal, providing relief considering the high cost of repairs for these vehicles.
For now, the message is clear: although the Cybertruck is robust, it does not replace a boat, nor is it invincible against the challenges of nature.
With information from Interesting Engineering.
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