The Tesla Cybertruck has generated a lot of curiosity about its “floating” capability. Although Tesla claims that the Cybertruck can float, there has not yet been a practical demonstration of this capability. The vehicle has a “Wade Mode,” which prepares the car to cross shallow waters by adjusting the suspension to the highest setting and pressurizing the battery. However, on paper, this alone does not mean that it can float.
According to Tesla, the water should not be deeper than 31 inches (approximately 79 cm) and should not exceed the top of the bumpers, indicating from the start that the Cybertruck is not designed to float above the water, but rather to cross flooded areas within certain limits. The only known exception of a vehicle capable of floating on the market currently is the BYD YangWang U8 SUV, which has a floating mode that prevents it from sinking for up to 30 minutes.
In 2022, Elon Musk mentioned on Twitter that the Cybertruck would be able to “cross at least 100 meters of water like a boat.” However, this capability has not yet been demonstrated, and if it were possible, it would certainly be a widely publicized feature by Tesla.
During some tests, the Cybertruck demonstrated the ability to cross relatively deep waters, but the vehicle did not float. And after the experience, there were concerns about possible water damage, such as the malfunctioning of some controls.
So, up to now, the Tesla Cybertruck has not demonstrated the ability to float. But future software updates (OTA) could potentially add new functionalities. Will Musk fulfill the promise…?
