A Tesla Cybertruck driver was arrested on Tuesday after the vehicle plunged into a lake during what authorities described as a deliberate attempt to test the car’s ‘wade mode’ function. The incident, which occurred at Lake Travis in Texas, left the driver uninjured but facing charges of reckless endangerment and criminal mischief.
According to local police, the driver, identified as 34-year-old Mark T. Reynolds, drove the Cybertruck down a boat ramp and into the water at approximately 3 p.m. local time. Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle submerge almost immediately after entering the lake, with water quickly filling the cabin. Rescue teams arrived within minutes and extracted Reynolds, who was stated to be in a state of shock.
The Cybertruck, a highly anticipated electric pickup produced by Tesla Incorporated, boasts a ‘wade mode’ feature designed to allow the vehicle to traverse shallow water up to 33 inches deep. However, lake depths at the ramp far exceeded that limit, leading to the vehicle’s total submersion.
Tesla has not yet commented on the incident. The company’s owner and chief executive, Elon Musk, has promoted the Cybertruck’s capabilities in off-road and aquatic environments, though experts have warned against using such features as recreational stunts.
Reynolds was taken into custody and later released on bail. His court appearance is scheduled for Friday. The Cybertruck remains submerged and will require a specialised recovery operation, authorities said.
The incident renews scrutiny over the safety of experimental driving modes in consumer vehicles. Former traffic safety officials have cautioned that marketing gimmicks can encourage dangerous behaviour. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it is monitoring the case but has not opened a formal investigation.
This is not the first time a Tesla has been involved in a water-related mishap. In 2021, a Model S was driven into a pond in Florida, resulting in the driver’s death. Analysts note that while electric vehicles have certain advantages in water, their heavy battery packs can cause rapid sinking.
The Lake Travis incident highlights the tension between automakers’ promotional strategies and public safety. As vehicles become more technologically advanced, regulatory bodies face challenges in ensuring that features are used responsibly.
