Tesla Cybertruck Delivery Lacks "Boat Mode" While It Is Feasible, Affirmed by Musk

【PCauto】Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently reiterated that the Cybertruck could achieve a "Boat Mode" through upgrades to its door sealing system, enabling it to travel short distances on water with a goal of crossing at least 100 meters of waterway.

The feasibility of this feature relies on the unique structural design of the Cybertruck. The vehicle's body is made from stainless steel and equipped with optimized sealing solutions. According to the engineering team, the truck is nearly buoyant without additional buoyancy devices and only requires an external propulsion system to enable movement on the water's surface.

Tesla plans to release an official modification kit focusing on upgrading the sealing system to enhance its water-crossing capabilities. Reports suggest that this kit would improve the vehicle's capability to navigate water without complex modifications and might further optimize power output and battery management through software updates.

Some owners have already conducted tests to assess the Cybertruck’s water capabilities. Videos show that when "Water Mode" is activated, the vehicle can safely traverse areas with water levels reaching close to the base of the windows. However, high-speed water crossings might lead to the detachment of wheel arch splash guards and malfunctions of electronic touch controls. Tesla has officially warned that the water mode should not exceed 30 minutes, and the water level must not surpass the hood, as this could cause irreversible damage.

Despite Tesla's confidence in the Cybertruck's waterproof capabilities, actual tests have revealed significant risks. In March 2025, a Cybertruck submerged for two hours during an accidental water testing at the Port of Ventura, California, suffered battery system damage resulting in the vehicle being totaled. Rescue teams had to collaborate with fire departments to prevent potential battery fires, raising public concerns about its underwater safety.

Additionally, the Cybertruck has not yet received waterproof certification from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the stability of its battery pack under prolonged immersion or high-pressure water conditions remains unverified by authoritative sources. Industry experts point out that while advancements in electric vehicle battery sealing technology have been made, the waterproof standards for mass-produced models differ fundamentally from those for marine vessels.

Currently, the global order volume for the Cybertruck has surpassed 2 million, but Tesla acknowledges that ramping up production and controlling costs remain challenging. Beyond the "Boat Mode," the vehicle is also equipped with innovative features like "Beast Mode," which can achieve 0-100 km/h acceleration within three seconds.

Third-party companies are attempting to launch amphibious retrofit kits (such as Cybercat) that add flotation devices and external motors to expand the Cybertruck's capabilities on water, though these modifications have not received official support from Tesla. Musk indicated that more integrated engineering solutions could eventually enable longer-distance water travel, such as crossing several hundred meters of a strait.

The Cybertruck's "Boat Mode" showcases Tesla's aggressive innovation in cross-functional capabilities, but its practical application remains contingent on technological maturity and safety regulations. Users attempting water scenarios must strictly follow operational guidelines and assess risks, while the successful implementation of this feature may depend on future technological iterations and regulatory breakthroughs.