A Tesla Cybertruck driver has been arrested in the Lake District after attempting to use the vehicle’s controversial ‘wade mode’ feature to drive across a lake. The stunt, which went viral on social media before being taken down, has prompted an investigation by the UK’s Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon near Derwentwater, where the driver, a 34-year-old man from Manchester, allegedly drove the angular electric pickup into the water, claiming it could ‘swim’ up to a depth of one metre. Witnesses reported that the vehicle became stuck after 20 metres, requiring a local farmer to tow it out with a tractor. No injuries were reported.
Mike Thompson, 52, a local fisherman who filmed the attempt, said: “It was madness. He was revving the engine and water was splashing everywhere. The Cybertruck is not a boat, but he seemed to think it was. He was lucky he didn’t end up underwater.”
The driver was later arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and criminal damage after the car’s battery allegedly leaked a small amount of coolant into the lake. The Environment Agency is assessing the environmental impact.
Tesla’s ‘wade mode’ is a feature that pressurises the battery pack to prevent water ingress during shallow crossings, but experts warn it is not intended for prolonged submersion. Dr. Emily Foster, automotive safety analyst at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “This is a clear case of a driver misinterpreting a feature. Wade mode is for fords, not lakes. The car is not amphibious.”
The UK safety regulators have launched a probe into whether Tesla’s marketing of the feature is misleading. A DVSA spokesperson said: “We are aware of the incident and are liaising with Tesla UK to ensure that the vehicle’s capabilities are accurately represented. Drivers must understand the limits of such features.”
This is not the first time the Cybertruck has faced scrutiny in the UK. The vehicle’s sharp, stainless steel body has been criticised for posing risks to pedestrians, and its weight of over three tonnes requires a special licence to drive on British roads. Sales of the Cybertruck have been limited in Europe due to regulatory hurdles.
For ordinary working people, this affair highlights a growing disconnect between car manufacturers’ promises and the reality of driving in a country with narrow lanes and stringent safety laws. “It’s like watching someone buy a tank to go to Tesco,” said Rachel Williams, a union representative for transport workers. “We need to see tougher rules on vehicle safety and driver education.”
The driver is due to appear in court next month. Meanwhile, the DVSA is expected to release a guidance note on the use of advanced driver-assistance features. Tesla has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded.
