Elon Musk’s claim that the Tesla Cybertruck can serve as a temporary boat has been put to the test – and failed. A Ventura, California man’s botched jet ski launch led to his luxury truck rolling into the harbor’s waters, where it was left to marinate for over two hours.
The recovery effort involved multiple agencies, including the Coast Guard and local authorities, due to concerns about potential battery fires. “We purposely did not rush into the response to allow time to research all potential hazards and ensure contingency plans were in place,” Captain Carson Shevitz said. The truck was eventually hauled out without incident.
This incident highlights a critical oversight: the Cybertruck has never been tested by the National Highway Safety Administration, leaving many risks associated with its proprietary battery unknown. In contrast, Tesla’s Chinese rival BYD has demonstrated a water-safe vehicle in their U8 luxury SUV, which can stay afloat for 30 minutes and move at a slow speed.
As a result, it seems that the Cybertruck is not as amphibious as Musk claimed. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for those considering owning such a vehicle, especially when it comes to water-based activities.
Source: https://futurism.com/the-byte/cybertruck-drives-into-harbor