Tesla Cybertruck Fails Water Test in Texas, Driver Faces Legal Charges

An attempt to test the capabilities of the Tesla Cybertruck took a controversial turn in Texas when the driver intentionally drove the vehicle into Grapevine Lake to activate the "Fording Mode," designed for off-road water crossings.

"Fording Mode," also known as "Wade Mode," is a specialized setting in modern electric and four-wheel-drive vehicles that enables safe passage through shallow water bodies by raising the suspension and sealing ventilation openings to protect the engine and electronic components.

According to police reports, the driver accelerated the Cybertruck into the water, surprising onlookers, but the vehicle became stuck after hitting rocks scattered along the shore. Water quickly began to seep inside the truck, as reported by the New York Post.

In a notable incident highlighting the gap between marketing claims and reality, a rented family minivan unexpectedly rescued the Cybertruck after it became trapped in the sand. A video of the event circulated widely across social media platforms.

Witness footage shows the driver and a passenger exiting the vehicle awkwardly through the passenger window before wading through the water to a nearby dock, amid sarcastic remarks from bystanders.

Investigations revealed that the driver deliberately entered the lake intending to test the "Fording Mode," which is designed to operate only in shallow water and must be manually activated, according to the vehicle's user manual.

Authorities emphasized that owning a vehicle technically capable of water entry does not justify such use, warning of legal consequences and public safety risks.

Rescue teams later recovered the Cybertruck using a crane. The driver was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including operating a vehicle in a prohibited water area, lacking a boating license, and violating safety regulations.

Separately, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced on Friday that the company has begun producing a two-seat self-driving taxi without a steering wheel or pedals.