When Elon Musk claimed the Tesla Cybertruck could double as a makeshift boat, many thought he was pushing the envelope once again.
Musk declared that the Tesla Cybertruck would be “waterproof enough” to cross rivers, lakes, and even “serve briefly as a boat.” Predictably, this bold vision turned heads and sparked both excitement and skepticism. But the real test came on the ground—or rather, in the water—when a Cybertruck owner attempted to cross a body of water in Truckee, California by engaging the vehicle’s ‘Wade Mode.’
Unfortunately, the adventure didn’t go as planned. The $100,000 electric truck became stuck, requiring assistance from the California Highway Patrol. In a tongue-in-cheek statement, CHP posted on social media, “Cybertruck activated ‘Wade Mode’… and waded a bit too far.” Their post made it clear that users should not mistake the feature for a true amphibious function.
The incident highlights the gap between Tesla’s marketing allure and real-world usage. Tesla’s ‘Wade Mode’ is designed for off-road conditions with shallow water or wet terrain, not full-scale aquatic crossings. It raises the vehicle’s suspension and pressurizes battery vents—but it does not turn the truck into a watercraft. Tesla’s warranty guidelines explicitly warn against vehicle submersion, and misuse could void coverage.
Images from the Truckee incident, shared by outlets like Electrek.co, quickly went viral. In contrast, older footage of a Cybertruck apparently floating and driving up onto dry land circulated again online, reigniting confusion about what the vehicle is built to do.
Industry experts weighed in, suggesting that while the Cybertruck’s rugged design and innovative features have appeal, inexperienced drivers often overestimate what the vehicle can handle. Off-roading—especially water fording—requires skill, judgment, and a clear understanding of a vehicle’s limitations. Without those, expensive mishaps like this one are almost inevitable.
Musk’s visions for Tesla’s capabilities have always been ambitious, often skating the line between innovation and exaggeration. Whether it’s full self-driving claims or now “boat mode,” the reality has yet to consistently match the rhetoric. As this latest incident proves, consumers would be wise to approach such statements with both curiosity and caution.
