Cybertruck “wade mode” test in a lake goes wrong, leading to charges against the driver, according to Texas authorities.
A 70-year-old man in North Texas has been charged after police said he drove a Tesla Cybertruck into Grapevine Lake while attempting to test its “Wade Mode,” causing the vehicle to become stranded in deep water.
The incident occurred at the reservoir between Dallas and Fort Worth, where authorities said Jimmy Jack McDaniel entered a restricted area of the lake with two passengers inside the stainless-steel pickup.
According to reports, he told officers he was testing the Cybertruck’s “Wade Mode,” a feature designed to raise suspension and temporarily pressurise the battery system to handle shallow water crossings. However, the attempt quickly went wrong, leaving the vehicle immobilised in the lake.
Police said the Tesla Cybertruck entered water deeper than the system was designed to handle, causing it to lose power and begin taking on water in Grapevine Lake.
The truck’s steering system reportedly shorted out, leaving the vehicle disabled in the lake at Grapevine Lake.
Escape through the windows
McDaniel and two passengers managed to escape through the windows before emergency crews arrived. No injuries were reported.
Photos and videos from the scene showed the futuristic-looking pickup partially submerged as tow crews worked to recover it, quickly drawing widespread attention online and adding to the viral discourse around the Tesla Cybertruck.
The Grapevine Police Department reportedly booked McDaniel on multiple charges, including operating a vehicle in a restricted area of the lake, failure to register a watercraft, and violations related to required water safety equipment, according to local media reports.
Wade Mode
Tesla Cybertruck includes a feature marketed as “Wade Mode,” designed to improve its ability to drive through shallow water crossings by adjusting suspension height and managing certain vehicle systems.
However, the company’s owner manual cautions that drivers must carefully assess water depth before entering, stating the vehicle is intended for use in water up to about 32 inches (81.5 cm) deep for short durations. It also warns that water-related damage is not covered under warranty.
The Cybertruck, which launched amid significant hype and scrutiny, has frequently attracted attention for unconventional off-road demonstrations and viral social media stunts. Critics and safety experts have noted that such publicity may lead some drivers to overestimate the vehicle’s real-world capabilities based on promotional material and online videos.
Authorities did not immediately confirm whether alcohol or any other factors contributed to the incident at Grapevine Lake.
