A Tesla Cybertruck owner in the US found out the hard way that Wade Mode doesn't turn the pickup into an amphibian. The vehicle partially submerged while launching a jet ski at a boat ramp. The story quickly spread across social media due to one important nuance. Tesla indeed advertised Wade Mode as a special mode for overcoming deep puddles and water obstacles. When activated, the air suspension raises the body, and the system temporarily increases pressure inside the battery pack for additional protection.
But Tesla never claimed that the Cybertruck could stay in water for long or be used as a boat. Nevertheless, the owner drove too deep onto the wet ramp while launching the jet ski, after which the heavy pickup began to slide and became partially submerged.
The most interesting thing is that the confusion did not arise out of nowhere. Back in 2022, Elon Musk wrote that the Cybertruck would be “waterproof enough to serve briefly as a boat.” Later, Tesla indeed added Wade Mode, and some owners took this too literally.
From a technical standpoint, electric vehicles are indeed better protected from water than many people think. High-voltage components are sealed to strict standards, and batteries undergo immersion tests. But prolonged exposure to water, especially saltwater, still remains extremely dangerous for electronics, bearings, connectors, and the cooling system.
For Tesla, this story became another example of how bright marketing claims can clash with real-world operation. And for owners – a reminder that even the most futuristic pickup truck is still a car, not a boat.