UPDATE: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is urgently seeking a refund of $50,000 for a Tesla Roadster he ordered back in July 2018. In a striking post on X, Altman revealed that his request for a refund has been met with silence from Tesla, as his email to the company bounced back.
Altman’s frustration is palpable. He shared a screenshot of his original reservation email confirming a $45,000 deposit for the highly anticipated second-generation Roadster, which Tesla had promised would be the fastest production car ever made. “I really was excited for the car! And I understand delays. But 7.5 years has felt like a long time to wait,” Altman stated, adding a layer of personal sentiment to the ongoing saga.
The Roadster, unveiled in 2017, was hailed by Elon Musk as a revolutionary vehicle capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in under two seconds. Yet, production has faced numerous setbacks since its original launch date was set for 2020. Most recently, Musk indicated during an earnings call in October 2024 that the company is still finalizing the design, prioritizing its core mission of sustainable energy.
Altman’s refund request coincides with a broader context of tension between him and Musk, particularly following Musk’s legal actions against OpenAI, the AI research organization they co-founded. After several lawsuits and public disputes, including Musk’s accusations of OpenAI straying from its nonprofit roots, the rivalry has intensified. Altman expressed a shift in his perception of Musk, saying, “For a long time, I looked up to him as an incredible hero… I have different feelings now.”
As of now, representatives from both Altman and Tesla have not responded to inquiries from Business Insider regarding this issue. With the Roadster’s future still uncertain and Altman’s deposit hanging in limbo, this situation is developing rapidly and is one to watch closely.
What happens next? Will Tesla finally respond to Altman’s request, or will this saga continue to unfold in the public eye? As the situation evolves, it remains a significant point of interest for both Tesla enthusiasts and followers of the ongoing Altman-Musk narrative.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
