In a recent social media spectacle, a prototype of Tesla’s Cybertruck was observed navigating the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico near Port Aransas, Texas. The short video, shared on Reddit by u/ilyasgnnndmr, depicts the electric pickup truck driving into the ocean, evoking memories of Elon Musk’s previous claims about the vehicle’s waterproof features.
While the Cybertruck did not venture into deep waters, confining its aquatic adventure to a very shallow area where the water didn’t reach the vehicle’s floor, the footage sparked intrigue among onlookers. The electric truck then promptly exited the water, continuing its journey away from the beach.
Oh my god, the cybertruck is on the seashore. Salt water has high electrical conductivity.
byu/ilyasgnnndmr inteslamotors
Despite the relatively undemanding water depth for most vehicles, there was a potential risk of the Cybertruck getting stuck in wet sand. However, this concern did not materialize, possibly due to the dense and stable nature of the sand at the particular beach.
Speculation arises regarding the purpose behind Tesla engineers subjecting the Cybertruck to seawater, with the most apparent reason being the evaluation of the vehicle’s water fording capabilities. However, the choice of salty ocean water for this test raises questions about Musk’s previous suggestion of a potential channel crossing between South Padre Island and southern Brazos Island.
Elon Musk had asserted in September 2022 that the Cybertruck would be “waterproof enough to serve briefly as a boat,” emphasizing its capability to cross rivers, lakes, and even seas with calm conditions. The context of Musk’s statement referred to the need for the Cybertruck to traverse from Starbase to South Padre Island, involving a channel crossing.
The recent beachside trial prompts curiosity about whether Tesla plans to attempt a channel crossing of approximately 1,400 feet, with waters exceeding 40 feet in depth. Musk had suggested the potential use of an electric propeller mounted on the tow hitch for enhanced speed over water.
As Tesla’s anticipated Cybertruck delivery event on November 30 approaches, enthusiasts hope for insights into the vehicle’s amphibious features, among other pending details such as pricing, range, powertrain specifications, and more. The video, while sparking speculation, adds to the anticipation surrounding the much-discussed electric pickup truck’s capabilities.
