Tesla’s Cybertruck introduces a novel feature known as “wade mode,” marking it as the first Tesla vehicle to include this capability. This function permits the Cybertruck to navigate through approximately 30 inches of water. Activating wade mode results in an increased ride height and the pressurization of the battery, specifically designed for aquatic driving conditions.
Although the Cybertruck may not be equipped to traverse entire lakes and seas as once suggested by Elon Musk, it does boast a “wade mode” enabling it to cross certain rivers with sufficiently shallow water. This feature is accessible within the vehicle’s off-road settings and can be switched on or off at the driver’s discretion. Tesla’s description of the mode specifies that it “raises ride height and pressurizes the battery when driving through water.”
A tweet from Nic Cruz Patane on December 6, 2023, highlights the excitement surrounding the Cybertruck’s wade mode, showcasing the setting in the Off-Road Baja Settings and emphasizing the truck’s ability to adjust ride height and battery pressurization for water traversal.
Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla’s head of design, emphasized the versatility of trucks in a video tour with Jay Leno, stating that they are designed to handle a wide range of activities and terrains, including river crossings. The Cybertruck’s informational screen advises users that water levels should not exceed the height of the bumper and notes that the wade mode may take up to 10 minutes to activate. Additionally, the mode has a usage limit of 30 minutes before it automatically deactivates.
The Cybertruck’s design incorporates a “scuba pack” technology, which utilizes the air suspension system to create positive pressure in the battery, as explained by von Holzhausen. This pressure is sufficient to prevent water ingress, as the battery pack is sealed. He further clarifies that the truck can handle slightly more than two and a half feet of water, or around 30 inches, without water entering the cabin. However, Tesla has not provided details on the vehicle’s ability to withstand saltwater.
Musk continues to pursue the vision of the Cybertruck functioning as a boat. In a recent post on X, he shared plans for a modification package that would enable the Cybertruck to “traverse at least 100m of water as a boat” by improving the “cabin door seals.”
In the interim, von Holzhausen suggests that resourceful Cybertruck owners could potentially convert their vehicles into makeshift boats. He comments that the vehicle nearly has the capability to float, with the possible addition of extra buoyancy to maintain it above water. He further muses about the potential for creative individuals to attach an outboard motor, connect it to the truck’s outlet, and operate it from the screen for a boating experience.
