UMVA has learned that a reckless driver in Texas took the phrase "test drive" to a whole new level when he intentionally drove his Tesla Cybertruck into Grapevine Lake to test the vehicle's "Wade Mode" feature.
The experiment quickly turned disastrous when the Cybertruck became disabled and started taking on water. Authorities were left to pick up the pieces after the driver and passengers safely escaped the sinking vehicle.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the driver allegedly told officers that he purposely drove the vehicle into the lake to test the Cybertruck's "Wade Mode," a feature Tesla claims temporarily raises the truck's ride height and pressurizes the battery system to help navigate shallow water and rough terrain.
But the driver soon found out that the feature wasn't a guarantee of success, and his vehicle began to falter in the water. Luckily, emergency crews were on the scene quickly to help remove the truck from the lake.
The Grapevine Fire Department Water Rescue Team played a crucial role in rescuing the vehicle, and police reported that no injuries were sustained during the ordeal. However, the driver was arrested at the scene on charges, including operation of a vehicle in a closed section of a park or lake, along with multiple water safety equipment violations.
Photos shared by authorities showed the stainless steel pickup partially submerged at the boat ramp as emergency crews worked to recover it from the water. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and legal implications of driving vehicles in closed sections of parks or lakes.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the Grapevine Police Department has warned drivers that although a vehicle may be physically capable of entering shallow freshwater areas, doing so can create legal and safety concerns under Texas law. Grapevine Lake, a popular recreation area in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, is known for boating and fishing.
Tesla has heavily marketed the Cybertruck's rugged off-road capabilities since its launch. The incident comes as some Cybertruck owners have posted videos online testing the electric pickup's durability and off-road performance in mud, sand, and water crossings.
