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Cybertruck’s Amphibious Claims Tested as Vehicle Sinks in Ventura Harbor

The Tesla Cybertruck continues to generate headlines with its unique capabilities. Not only are these electric pickups designed to produce fire, but they also engage in activities such as collecting trash and can even shed body panels for quick escapes reminiscent of a spy movie.

But can the Cybertruck also function as an amphibious vehicle? CEO Elon Musk hinted at this possibility, suggesting in an off-the-cuff post that the trucks would be waterproof enough for brief aquatic excursions, able to cross bodies of water that aren’t overly turbulent.

Recently, an incident provided an unplanned opportunity to evaluate Musk’s bold assertion. During an awkward jet ski launch in Ventura, California, a man accidentally sent his prized Cybertruck rolling down a ramp into the chilly harbor waters.

While the driver escaped without injury, the Cybertruck did not fare as well; it quickly became waterlogged and unresponsive.

The recovery operation was extensive, involving the Ventura Fire Department, Harbor Patrol, Coast Guard, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and even a Tesla engineer, demonstrating the seriousness of the situation as they worked to extract the expensive vehicle safely from the harbor.

Concerns over potential hazards related to the Cybertruck’s proprietary battery technology led to a cautious approach during the rescue. “We purposely did not rush into the response to allow time to research all potential hazards and ensure contingency plans were in place,” noted Captain Carson Shevitz from the responding tugboat company, as reported by the Ventura County Star.

After spending approximately two hours submerged, the now-nonfunctional Cybertruck was extracted from the water without any further complications.

While there have been multiple reports of Tesla vehicles catching fire, this incident marks what may be the first occurrence of a Cybertruck sinking. The findings have reaffirmed suspicions: the Cybertruck is not suited to float.

In contrast, rival electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has successfully created a vehicle that can handle water, the U8 luxury SUV. Claimed to be an emergency flotation feature, the U8 can float for about 30 minutes while traversing at a slow pace of 1.8 mph, offering a more practical solution for unexpected water mishaps.

Though not particularly fast, this capability might just save face in similar scenarios should drivers mistakenly engage reverse instead of forward.

More on Cybertrucks: There’s Something Very Sketchy Going on With the Government Trying to Buy $400 Million in Armored Teslas

Source
www.yahoo.com