We can only report on what is said, or in this case what was tweeted. Tesla CEO and founder Elon Musk is at it again, taking questions via Twitter. All questions eventually lead to the Cybertruck and this Twitter storm was no different. Asked whether the Cybertruck would be good at crossing streams, Musk replied, “Yes, it will even float for a while.” We can see the advertising now, It’s a boat! It’s a truck! No, it’s a Cybertruck!

This isn’t the first time Musk has Tweeted his Teslas will float

This isn’t the first time Musk has Tweeted his Teslas will float. Back in 2016 he tweeted that the Model S would float for short periods. He said for a short time, “with thrust via wheel rotation.” Maybe the wheels would provide thrust but how would you steer it? He must have a thing for Teslas being able to float for a time.

Since the battery packs are sealed off to minimize damage from rain and other outside elements it makes sense that it wouldn’t take much to seal off the Cybertruck. Damage occurs once water enters the cabin. When the electric components inside take in water then they’re toast. If the floors are sealed off and the doors seal well enough to not allow water to enter then it could conceivably float.

It’s not like with an ICE vehicle that needs to take in air to create power

It’s not like with an ICE vehicle that needs to take in air to create power. The more air an engine can take in and then exhaust the more power it generates. But just like humans. an ICE engine can’t take in air underwater. That’s the whole point of those snorkels you see on the cowls of Hummers and Land Cruisers. 

In an earlier Tweet Musk says that the overall size of the Cybertruck will be reduced by 3%. He also said that the centerline will be more level. We don’t know what he means by the centerline. If he means the beltline break being level to the ground as opposed to the rake it currently features we say don’t do it. We like the aggressive stance that the wedge-like beltline break gives the truck. 

As for reducing the size, as long as the Cybertruck can maintain competitive bed dimensions then reducing the size is probably a good thing. There’s a weight advantage once you start trimming things down. So it doesn’t take as much power to move if the mass is reduced. It also makes the truck handle better and is easier to maneuver because you’re not having to snake or park a larger vehicle.

A Cybertruck at the Baja 1000?

Finally, Musk tweeted that the Cybertruck must be able to handle in Baja. We’re assuming he means the Baja 500 and 1000 races. Yes, from a marketing and publicity standpoint it would be fantastic. If a Cybertruck can handle the rigors of taking on the Baja desert it would be quite a feat.

For the bit about being able to float the only real practical advantage we see is when launching a boat from a launch ramp. We’ve seen plenty of pictures of trucks sunk while attempting to launch a boat. There’s a lot that could go with not having to fear submerging your Cybertruck.

Now, if there was a way to steer and thrust the Cybertruck while floating in water then you’d have a real dual-purpose vehicle.