Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Elon Musk, the founder of the world's preeminent electric car maker Tesla, sent fans of the brand into a frenzy this week after tweeting a comment on a video showing a Model S 'floating' in Kazakhstan, the Verge reported.
In 2015, Model S owners discovered an Easter egg in the car's software which turned its image into that same submersible Lotus.
Floating Tesla
Musk's fascination in submersible cars was evident in 2013, when the billionaire purchased James Bond's submarine car (a custom Lotus Esprit).
The South-African born entrepreneur said he would upgrade the car with one the firm's electric engines.
Watch: Tesla Model S swimming
Musk tweeted:
We *def* don't recommended this, but Model S floats well enough to turn it into a boat for short periods of time. Thrust via wheel rotation.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 19, 2016
@KatelynBrock Drive units and battery are sealed
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 19, 2016
If curious abt TSWLM car, am still planning to do a sports sub car that can drive on roads. Just a side project. Limited market potential :)
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 19, 2016
Electrek reported, that one does not want the entire undercarriage of your vehicle to be submerged regardless of if it consists of a large battery pack or an exhaust line.
The Model S' battery pack is sealed, but there are still plenty of complications from submerging the vehicle.
Electrek said that warranties (including Tesla’s) or insurance rarely if ever cover any damage caused by driving through flooded streets.
