April 27, 2025 – A Tesla Cybertruck owner in Truckee, California, found himself in a sticky situation after taking Elon Musk’s bold claims about the vehicle’s amphibious capabilities a bit too literally. The incident, which unfolded after the owner attempted to navigate a water crossing, has reignited debates about the line between experimental promises and practical limitations—even for a truck as futuristic as the Cybertruck.
Musk, no stranger to hyperbole, has long teased the idea that certain Tesla models could float or even function as makeshift boats. Years ago, he suggested vehicles like the Model S might “float for a while” if submerged, a claim that sparked curiosity but also skepticism. When the Cybertruck was unveiled, Musk doubled down, asserting the electric pickup would be “waterproof enough” to traverse calm rivers, lakes, or even mildly choppy coastal waters. He even set an ambitious goal: enabling the Cybertruck to bridge the 360-meter gap between SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas and South Padre Island, a stretch that would require navigating brackish estuaries and unpredictable tides.
Tesla’s own documentation hints at some aquatic adaptability. The Cybertruck’s “Wade Mode,” activated via its “Off-Road” driving profile, raises the suspension to its maximum height and temporarily pressurizes the battery pack to help prevent water ingress. However, the company’s warranty explicitly states that submerging the vehicle voids coverage—a disclaimer that didn’t deter the Truckee owner, who reportedly drove into a body of water expecting to glide across effortlessly.
Instead, the Cybertruck stalled mid-crossing, leaving the driver stranded until local highway patrol arrived to assist. Photos released by the patrol show the truck partially submerged, its angular frame contrasting starkly with the murky water. Officers later issued a tongue-in-cheek warning: “While we appreciate pushing boundaries, maybe leave the river crossings to actual boats. Remember: ‘Wade Mode’ ≠ ‘Scuba Mode.’ Know your limits—and the terrain’s.”
The incident underscores a recurring tension between Musk’s visionary promises and the real-world risks of interpreting them too liberally. Tesla’s “Wade Mode” is designed for shallow fords or flood zones, not open-water voyages. Yet Musk’s history of flirting with extreme scenarios—whether colonizing Mars or turning trucks into watercraft—often blurs the line between aspiration and feasibility. For now, Cybertruck owners might want to stick to dry land… or at least invest in a kayak.
