A Tesla Cybertruck owner in Texas was arrested after attempting to test the vehicle’s wade mode in a lake. The incident has sparked interest in the feature, which allows the Cybertruck to drive in shallow rivers or creeks.
Incident Details
The Grapevine Police Department reported that the Cybertruck owner drove into Grapevine Lake to test the wade mode feature, but the vehicle became stranded in the water. The passengers abandoned the vehicle, and the driver was arrested. Videos on social media show the Cybertruck getting stuck in the water and passengers abandoning the vehicle before it appears to sink deeper into the lake.
What is Wade Mode?
Wade mode is an off-road mode that lets the Cybertruck drive in shallow rivers or creeks up to a maximum depth of 32 inches and speeds of 20 mph. The feature raises the Cybertruck’s ride height and pressurizes the battery when driving through water. However, the mode’s duration is limited to 30 minutes, and drivers are responsible for gauging the depth of any body of water before entering. Damage or water ingress to the Cybertruck as a result of driving in water is not covered by the warranty.
Tesla’s Cybertruck Woes
The Cybertruck has failed to replicate the sales success of other Tesla models, with Tesla selling only 39,965 units in 2024 and 20,237 units in 2025. Tesla CEO Elon Musk had targeted an annual production capacity of 250,000 units for the vehicle.
Previous Incidents
This is not the first time someone has attempted to drive a Cybertruck into a lake. A video posted by influencer Sawyer Merritt last year showed a Cybertruck being driven into the same lake in Texas, but the vehicle did not get stuck in the lake in that instance.
Key Features of Wade Mode
- Allows the Cybertruck to drive in shallow rivers or creeks up to 32 inches deep
- Raises the vehicle’s ride height and pressurizes the battery when driving through water
- Limited to 30 minutes of use
- Drivers are responsible for gauging the depth of any body of water before entering
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of understanding and using the wade mode feature responsibly. While the Cybertruck is designed to handle shallow water, it is not intended for deep-water driving, and drivers should exercise caution when using the feature.