Texas Man Arrested After Sinking Tesla Cybertruck in Lake to Test 'Wade Mode'
Police say the driver intentionally entered Grapevine Lake to use the vehicle's "wade mode" before it took on water and became disabled.
Primary source: BBC World News. Full source links, newsroom standards, and correction details are below.
Fast summary
Start here
- A driver was arrested in north Texas for intentionally driving a Tesla Cybertruck into Grapevine Lake to test its 'wade mode'.
- The vehicle became disabled and partially submerged, requiring recovery by the Grapevine Fire Department Water Rescue Team.
- Tesla's official manual states that water damage or ingress is not covered by the vehicle's warranty, despite the feature's marketing.
What happened
A man was taken into custody in Grapevine, Texas, after police determined he intentionally drove his Tesla Cybertruck into Grapevine Lake. Officers were called to the scene on Monday to recover the electric pickup, which had been abandoned by the driver and passengers after the vehicle took on water and became stuck near the shoreline.
What's new in this update
The Grapevine Police Department confirmed the arrest on charges including operating a vehicle in a closed section of the lake and multiple water safety equipment violations. According to police statements, the driver admitted to entering the water specifically to utilize the Cybertruck's "Wade Mode" feature, which is intended to allow the vehicle to traverse shallow water.
Key details
While Tesla's online manual states that the Cybertruck can navigate bodies of water up to 32 inches (81.5 cm) deep, it places the burden of gauging depth entirely on the driver. The Grapevine Fire Department Water Rescue Team assisted in removing the partially submerged vehicle from the south side of the lake. Police emphasized that physical capability does not override local laws regarding vehicle access to freshwater areas.
Background and context
Tesla's "Wade Mode" is a marketed feature of the electric truck designed for rivers or creeks. However, the manufacturer includes explicit warnings that damage or water ingress resulting from such activities is not covered under the vehicle's warranty. The manual further advises drivers to avoid deep or fast-flowing water and to return to dry land if the depth exceeds the bottom of the tires.
What to watch next
Legal proceedings against the driver will follow the safety and equipment violation charges. The incident serves as a high-profile example for other Cybertruck owners regarding the limitations of the vehicle's specialized modes and the potential for total loss due to warranty exclusions for water-related damage.
Why this matters
The incident highlights the legal and financial risks of misusing off-road features, specifically regarding Tesla's warranty exclusions for water ingress and local safety laws.
Reader context
This story belongs to Northstar Herald's world coverage, with related entities including Tesla, Cybertruck, Texas, Grapevine Lake. The report is based on BBC World News source material.
Related coverage
Why it matters
The incident highlights the legal and financial risks of misusing off-road features, specifically regarding Tesla's warranty exclusions for water ingress and local safety laws.
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Follow this story through the topic hub, more world coverage, and the latest updates.
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