On May 20, 2026, a Tesla Cybertruck became stranded in Lake Grapevine, northern Texas, USA, after its driver—lured by the prospect of testing its purported wading capabilities—drove it into the water. The vehicle promptly lost power and was left immobilized, forcing the passengers to abandon ship and flee to safety. The driver was later taken into custody by local police. The incident has reignited debate over Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s earlier claims that the Cybertruck’s robust waterproofing could allow it to function as a temporary boat. In reality, Tesla’s official wading mode is designed solely for short-term, low-water-level emergencies and lacks the buoyancy or propulsion needed for sustained navigation. This episode serves as a stark reminder to vehicle owners: promotional claims about performance limits should never be mistaken for practical, everyday usage guidelines.
