Owner tried to test Elon Musk's promise about electric vehicle's amphibious capacity, caused a general breakdown and needed a crane for rescue
The driver of a Tesla Cybertruck has been arrested in the state of Texas (USA) after intentionally submerging his electric pickup truck in the waters of Grapevine Lake. The case happened mainly because of a literal interpretation of the statements of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who in the past stated that the utility would be able to briefly function as a vessel. Although the amphibious capability was never officially endorsed by the automaker, the owner decided to test the vehicle’s limits on his own, resulting in a material disaster and criminal implications.
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A video posted on social media recorded the moment when the huge pickup truck began to move with apparent success in the shallow waters, close to the shore. However, the situation got out of control as it moved into deeper areas. The stainless steel frame lost traction on the muddy bottom, the system suffered a general electrical breakdown, and water quickly began to invade the cabin.
The driver and passengers were forced to abandon the truck in a hurry. The Aquatic Rescue Team of the Grapevine Fire Department had to be called to remove the car from the water. The operation lasted for hours and required the help of a heavy crane, already during the night, to lift the vehicle of more than three tons that was completely submerged.
After the pickup was removed, the Grapevine Police Department gave the driver an arrest warrant. The owner was formally charged with operating a motor vehicle in a prohibited environmental area and will be charged with multiple violations of water safety regulations.
Authorities issued an alert reinforcing that electronic features such as “Wade Mode” pressurize the battery to prevent short circuits, but convey a false sense of invulnerability to the driver. The police stressed that these technologies have severe limitations and, regardless of the marketing involved, do not turn land cars into safe vessels.
