Cybertruck takes its first dip - real-world test of Elon Musk's "Wade Mode" promise

Elon Musk has a reputation for making bold claims about his vehicles, and the Cybertruck is no exception. The CEO's promise that his angular truck would be waterproof enough to double as a boat raised some eyebrows. Now, a daring Tesla owner has put those claims to the test, giving us our first taste of the Cybertruck's real "Wade Mode" capabilities.

Before we dive (pun intended) into the action, it's important to be skeptical about using EVs in water. Tesla's warranty explicitly states that off-roading damage isn't covered, and wading into the drink technically counts as off-roading. The Cybertruck's "Wade Mode" might elevate the vehicle and even pressurize its battery pack, but Tesla also warns about the risks.

Without further ado, here’s the world’s first video of Cybertruck going through much deeper water than it has ever supposed to:

YouTube channel TechRax pushed the Cybertruck's wading abilities to the limit, maybe even past it. The initial test was almost boring, with shallow enough water that the truck could likely have tackled it without "Wade Mode". Subsequent tests, however, saw the water rise well above wheel level and the vehicle speeding through the waves.

The Cybertruck didn't emerge unscathed. Some plastic trim pieces detached (but were apparently reattached), and the tailgate and tonneau cover mechanisms stopped working properly.

Can the Cybertruck float like a boat, as Musk suggests? This test doesn't answer that question definitively, but you can bet your lunch money that this test is coming soon. Yes, it survived a brief jaunt through deep water, but it wasn't exactly open ocean. Musk's goal of crossing from Starbase to South Padre Island, a distance of over 1,000 feet, seems far more ambitious - and potentially disastrous.

The Cybertruck is undeniably unique. Its stainless-steel body measures a gargantuan 231.7 inches long, 79.8 inches wide, and 75 inches tall. However - is the "waterproof" promise just another Muskian exaggeration that buyers should treat with a healthy dose of skepticism, or is it in fact true? We can’t wait for the follow-up to this story, once the truck has been out of the water for a few days - what will stop working first?

If you're decided to go against all the warnings, and are planning to reenact scenes from Jaws with your pricey EV truck, think again. And then make sure you post a video of it for all of us to enjoy.

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