Cybertruck owner stranded after believing Musk's floating claims
- In 2023, a Cybertruck owner attempted to test claims made by Elon Musk about the vehicle's water capabilities.
- The 'wade mode', meant for water traversal, led to the owner getting stranded after entering a river.
- This incident highlights the disconnect between Tesla's marketing claims and real-world performance.
In late 2023, a Cybertruck owner from Truckee, California, decided to put Elon Musk's assertions to the test. Musk had claimed that the Cybertruck would be waterproof enough to function as a boat for short periods, specifically to cross rivers and lakes. Capturing headlines during the truck's release, Musk had reiterated the truck's capabilities, even mentioning a specific crossing between SpaceX's Starbase and South Padre Island in Texas. With such confidence from Tesla's CEO, the Truckee owner opted to switch the vehicle to 'wade mode' and attempt water traversal, believing it could act as a boat. Contrary to Musk's assurances, the reality proved to be quite different. Upon entering the water, the Cybertruck quickly got stuck and stranded the owner, who later posted images of the incident on social media, sparking both amusement and concern among the onlookers. This incident underlying the owner's misplaced faith in claims made by Musk reflects the broader skepticism surrounding the marketing statements Tesla has made about their Cybertruck. The Cybertruck's launch in 2019 marked a high-profile moment for Tesla, yet it was riddled with promises that later proved to be exaggerated or false. For example, Musk claimed the Cybertruck had an indestructible 'armor glass' that shattered during a live demonstration when a steel ball was thrown at it. Similarly, while Musk professed that the Cybertruck could handle various bullet calibers, it ultimately failed to provide protection against more powerful rounds. The current warranty terms also stress that any water-related misuse voids the coverage, yet the allure of the Cybertruck's capabilities seemed to entice the owner into testing them. By engaging the 'wade mode', which is designed to raise the ride height and pressure-seal the battery pack for brief water excursions, the owner circumvented the implied cautions provided by Tesla. This situation serves as a cautionary tale for consumers who invest in high-priced items on the basis of flashy promises and highlights the importance of engaging in practical research rather than resting solely on promotional claims.