Grapevine, Texas - A driver's attempt to test the "Wade Mode" feature of a Tesla Cybertruck ended with the vehicle submerged in Grapevine Lake and the driver facing charges. The incident occurred on Monday when Jimmy McDaniel, 70, drove the electric truck into the lake, reportedly to assess the vehicle's aquatic capabilities. Police subsequently arrested McDaniel on charges including operating a vehicle in a closed section of the lake and water safety equipment violations.
The Cybertruck, which became disabled and took on water, was eventually removed from the lake with assistance from the Grapevine Fire Department Water Rescue Team. The manufacturer's manual specifies that Wade Mode is designed for water depths of up to 32 inches, a stark contrast to Grapevine Lake's maximum depth of approximately 65 feet. Warnings within the manual also caution against using the mode in deep, fast-flowing bodies of water.
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The driver, identified as Jimmy McDaniel, was quoted by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth as stating he had driven the Cybertruck in water multiple times previously, including in the Atlantic Ocean, without issue. However, video footage shared online showed the Cybertruck navigating shallow water before becoming stranded in deeper sections, prompting the driver and his passengers – reportedly German visitors – to exit the vehicle before seeking assistance.
A Test of Claims
The incident appears to stem from an interpretation of statements made by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has previously suggested that the Cybertruck would be "waterproof enough to serve briefly as a boat, so it can cross rivers, lakes & even seas that aren’t too choppy." The vehicle's operational manual, however, offers more conservative guidance, advising drivers to reduce speed as water depth changes and to return to shallow water or dry land if depths become too significant.
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Official Response and Background
Grapevine Police Department spokesperson Katharina Gamboa issued a cautionary statement following the event: "Don't drive into the water with your vehicle." The Grapevine Police Department confirmed the arrest and the nature of the charges. Tesla has not yet issued a public statement regarding this specific incident, though their vehicle manuals provide clear guidelines on the limitations of the Wade Mode feature. The Cybertruck, known for its distinctive stainless-steel exoskeleton, was launched with various advertised capabilities that continue to be explored and, in some instances, tested by its owners.
