An unusual incident unfolded in Texas as a man was taken into custody for reportedly driving his Tesla Cybertruck into Grapevine Lake. According to police, the driver aimed to test the vehicle’s “Wade Mode” feature, a decision that led the truck to become inoperable and begin taking on water.
Authorities were alerted to the situation on Monday when reports surfaced of a Cybertruck partially submerged near the shoreline at Katie’s Woods Park Boat Ramp, stated the Grapevine Police Department.
The driver reportedly informed officers that he had intentionally driven the vehicle into the lake. His goal was to activate the Cybertruck’s “Wade Mode,” a function designed by Tesla to temporarily elevate the truck’s ride height and pressurize the battery system, enabling it to handle shallow waters and rugged terrains more effectively.
However, the daring experiment took an unexpected turn when the truck became immobilized in the water, authorities noted.
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A glimpse of the aftermath shows the Tesla Cybertruck partly submerged in Grapevine Lake, following the driver’s ill-fated attempt to evaluate the vehicle’s off-road prowess. (Grapevine Police Department)
The driver and passengers safely escaped the vehicle before the Grapevine Fire Department Water Rescue Team helped remove the truck from the lake, according to police. Police said no injuries were reported.
Photos shared by authorities showed the stainless steel pickup partially submerged at the boat ramp as emergency crews worked to recover it from the water.
The driver, whose identity has not been released, was arrested at the scene on charges, including operation of a vehicle in a closed section of a park or lake, along with multiple water safety equipment violations, police said.
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A representative for the Grapevine Police Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
“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,” the Grapevine Police Department said in a Facebook post.
Grapevine Lake is a popular recreation area in the Dallas-Fort Worth region known for boating and fishing.
According to Tesla, ‘Wade Mode’ is designed for shallow water crossings. (Getty Images)
Tesla has heavily marketed the Cybertruck’s rugged off-road capabilities since the vehicle launched in late 2023.
The incident comes as some Cybertruck owners have posted videos online testing the electric pickup’s durability and off-road performance in mud, sand and water crossings.
Tesla says “Wade Mode” is designed for shallow water crossings, but advises drivers to avoid water conditions that exceed the vehicle’s capabilities.
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