tesla's cybertruck to transform into functional boat, according to elon musk

tesla ‘mod package’ allows cybertruck to double as a boat

In a recent tweet, Elon Musk stated that the Cybertruck is set to double as an actual functional boat. Tesla’s CEO announced that the company plans to offer a ‘mod package’ that enables the vehicle to traverse at least 100 meters of water. ‘Mostly just need to upgrade cabin door seals,’ he added.

The announcement comes just weeks after the highly anticipated Cybertruck delivery launch, which finally commenced on December 1st, 2023. For those who are unfamiliar with the project, Tesla claims that the Cybertruck, an electric vehicle, is faster than a sports car and, depending on the model, can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.6 seconds with a tri-motor variant.

image courtesy of Andras Veres, via @andras.s.veres

Elon Musk’s Teases Cybertruck’s Amphibious Capabilities

The announcement didn’t catch Tesla enthusiasts off guard, given Elon Musk’s hints about the Cybertruck’s amphibious capabilities dating back to 2020. In response to a 3D artist’s rendering depicting the Cybertruck as a boat, Musk’s initial tweet hinted at the possibility, stating, ‘I think we could make that work.’ Over the years, Musk continued to tease the truck’s water-friendly features, affirming that the Cybertruck would be ‘waterproof enough to serve briefly as a boat, so it can cross rivers, lakes, and even seas that aren’t too choppy.’

While Musk’s recent tweet appears more specific, public skepticism persists, a common response to many of Musk’s statements. Nevertheless, numerous enthusiasts have expressed excitement, showcasing their enthusiasm through Cybertruck-boat hybrid renders and AI-generated images depicting the Tesla vehicle effortlessly navigating through waters. The announcement also brnigs to mind the Cybercat and Cybercat foiler, components designed to quickly transform cybertruck into a high-performance amphibious catamaran (see designboom’s previous coverage here).

image courtesy of Cybercat