Here’s something you don’t often see on a pickup truck’s options list.
Prior to its release, Tesla CEO Elon Musk once declared that the Cybertruck “will be waterproof enough to serve briefly as a boat, so it can cross rivers, lakes & even seas that aren’t too choppy.”
The production vehicle apparently can’t do that, but Musk now says the company will offer a “mod package” that will make it semi-seaworthy.
Musk was reacting to a clip posted to Twitter of Tesla’s top engineer, Lars Moravay, telling Jay Leno that the Cybertruck “almost floats,” but might require a little extra buoyancy to stay above water.
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“We are going to offer a mod package that enables Cybertruck to traverse at least 100m of water as a boat,” Musk posted to X. “Mostly just need to upgrade cabin door seals.”
Moravay said someone could figure out how to attach an electric outboard motor to it that runs off of the outlet in the bed.
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Musk had previously suggested attaching one to the tow hitch or using a “creative wheel hub design” that can create thrust.
It’s not clear when, if ever, this package will be available, but the Cybertruck does come with a Wade Mode setting that raises its air suspension to the maximum height and pressurizes the battery pack for driving through water.
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Tesla hasn’t elaborated on the pressurization feature, which has been discovered by Cybertruck owners on the infotainment screen. Electric vehicles typically have sealed packs that are entirely waterproof.
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Of course, the world has been waiting a decade Elon to get another amphibious vehicle he owns working. That is to say, working again.
In 2013, Musk purchased the Lotus Esprit submarine known as “Wet Nellie” that was used in making of the James Bond film “The Spy Who Loved Me” for $865,000 at auction.
At the time, he said he was disappointed to find out that it was just a sub and couldn’t transform into a car. Several vehicles were used to film the scenes where it was depicted with that ability.
Musk said he would have it redesigned to be transformable, but the vehicle hasn’t been seen since.
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However, he has said that the Cybertruck’s unusual styling was in part inspired by the wedge-shaped Esprit.
