The Tesla Cybertruck has become a polarizing symbol in the automotive world, hailed for its futuristic design yet criticized for its practical performance. Dubbed an electric pickup truck that boasts the aesthetic fit for interplanetary travel, the Cybertruck has encountered numerous hurdles in its functionality since its release in late 2023. From components dislodging while driving to its apparent struggle with adverse weather conditions, the vehicle has faced scrutiny in ways that even its most ardent supporters could not have anticipated.

Recently, the California Highway Patrol's Truckee division took to their Instagram account to share an amusing yet cautionary tale about a Cybertruck that found itself stranded at the shore of a lake. The post featured images of the vehicle stuck in the water, accompanied by a tongue-in-cheek reminder that Wade Mode isnt Submarine Mode. This incident raises a critical question: how did this owner come to believe that the Cybertruck could function as an aquatic vessel?

This isnt merely a case of driver error; it appears to connect back to claims made by Tesla CEO Elon Musk himself. In a tweet from September 29, 2022, Musk asserted that the Cybertruck would be waterproof enough to serve briefly as a boat and could potentially navigate across lakes, rivers, and even relatively calm seas. Such a proclamation understandably fueled the imagination of potential buyers, painting the Cybertruck as not just an electric vehicle, but a versatile mode of transport capable of handling diverse environments.

However, this assertion raises eyebrows, especially considering Tesla's past challenges with ensuring adequate weatherproofing in their vehicles. Musks enigmatic wording further complicates the matter; while items like Gore-Tex jackets are designed for waterproofing, they certainly arent intended for aquatic navigation. This creates a disparity between expectation and reality.

In theory, Musk's suggestion implies that the Cybertruck should be able to traverse shallow bodies of water with ease. In fact, he imagined the Cybertruck could cross the 360 meters of water separating SpaceXs Starbase from South Padre Island in Texas. Unfortunately, as evidenced by the recent incident shared by the CHP, the reality of the Cybertruck's capabilities falls far short of these lofty claims.

The so-called 'Wade Mode' that the Cybertruck does feature was designed to temporarily elevate the vehicle's suspension and provide pressure to the battery system, ostensibly allowing for safer crossings of shallow water. However, even this feature seems insufficient when facing conditions such as mud or deeper water. As it stands, the Cybertrucks performance in aquatic environments is markedly less impressive than Musk's promises.

For those who find themselves disappointed with the Cybertrucks limitations, there exists a stark contrast in the form of the Slate Truck. This alternative pickup offers a budget-friendly price point, a straightforward design, and an almost limitless range of customization options, positioning it as a practical alternative to Teslas more lavish, albeit less practical, offering.