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Texas Man Arrested Testing Tesla Cybertruck “Wade Mode” in Lake

5/20/2026

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Summary

McDaniel Submerges Truck

Texas police arrested Jimmy Jack McDaniel on May 18 2026 after he drove his Tesla Cybertruck into Grapevine Lake to test “Wade Mode.”
Officers found the Cybertruck partially submerged at Katie’s Woods Park boat ramp before 8 p.m., with the driver stating he entered the water.
McDaniel was charged with operating a vehicle in a park area, lacking boat registration and water-safety equipment, prompting police to warn of Texas legal risks.

Summary

Tesla Limits Water

Tesla's manual says Wade Mode works only up to 32 inches (815 mm) deep, warning that deeper water can damage the battery.
Tesla's warranty excludes water damage, so owners must pay for flood repairs.
Elon Musk claimed the Cybertruck could act as a boat, a capability Tesla later said is not supported.
Wade Mode safety guide advises keeping doors closed, staying under 20 mph, and watching a timer up to 30 minutes.

History

Historical Context

In 1966 Wilhelm Beck GmbH launched the Amphicar, the first car able to drive 1.5 m in water, selling 6,000 units. The 1970s push for technical extremes, highlighted by Porsche’s 100-point, seven-race win in the 1976 World Sportscar Championship, set a precedent. That legacy underlies the 2026 Texas test of Elon Musk’s Cybertruck “Wade Mode,” sparking calls for realistic amphibious standards.

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McDaniel Submerges Truck

Texas police arrested Jimmy Jack McDaniel on May 18 2026 after he drove his Tesla Cybertruck into Grapevine Lake to test “Wade Mode.”
Officers found the Cybertruck partially submerged at Katie’s Woods Park boat ramp before 8 p.m., with the driver stating he entered the water.
McDaniel was charged with operating a vehicle in a park area, lacking boat registration and water-safety equipment, prompting police to warn of Texas legal risks.

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