Elon Musk is no stranger to saying strange and often controversial things. This time, the billionaire is claiming that the Cybertruck - when it eventually arrives - will be waterproof. He shared the surprising promise on Twitter, writing it "will be waterproof enough to serve briefly as a boat, so it can cross rivers, lakes & even seas that aren't too choppy."
That's a big claim to make, but it's not the first time Musk has said the Cybertruck will take water-based shenanigans in its stride. In 2020, the CEO told a Twitter user that the electric truck "will even float for a while." Unsurprisingly, he has shared no details on how this will be achieved but has set one specific parameter.
In a follow-up tweet, the world's wealthiest man said the Cybertruck will need to "be able to get from Starbase to South Padre Island, which requires crossing the channel." Essentially, Musk wants the electric truck to be capable of sailing from his Starship rocket site to the small island situated across the South Bay.
But Tesla's CEO isn't the only person that desires to set sail in the delayed electric pickup. Even though it's yet to be launched, a designer has already patented a wild concept that would transform the Cybertruck into a catamaran-style vessel. A few attachable parts will quickly turn the "Cybercat" - a portmanteau of Cybertruck and catamaran - "into a capable all-electric amphibious watercraft."
The Cybertruck was first unveiled as far back as 2019 and was expected to make an official debut in 2021. But repeated delays have quashed the dreams of many would-be buyers, even though Tesla has promised production would commence in 2023. Disappointed Australian Tesla fans who placed reservations now have to apply for refunds, for example, as the truck will no longer be sold Down Under.
However, the biggest disaster - for Tesla, at least - came in the form of the competition. While Musk made many promises and bold claims, others got on with the job and built their electric trucks. As a result, the Cybertruck was beaten to market by the Ford F-150 Lightning, the Rivian R1T, and the GMC Hummer EV Pickup.