URGENT UPDATE: Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has officially requested a refund of $50,000 for his long-awaited Tesla Roadster order placed in July 2018. In a dramatic twist, Altman’s refund request email reportedly bounced back, leaving him without his deposit.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) titled “A tale in three acts,” Altman shared a screenshot of his original $45,000 deposit confirmation for the Tesla Roadster, as well as the follow-up email he sent just yesterday, seeking to cancel the order. “I really was excited for the car! And I understand delays. But 7.5 years has felt like a long time to wait,” he expressed.
The new Tesla Roadster was among the most anticipated vehicles in automotive history, with Tesla CEO Elon Musk declaring it “the fastest production car ever made.” Production was initially slated to begin in 2020, but has faced multiple delays. Musk reassured investors during an earnings call in October 2024 that the company is still working on the design, albeit prioritizing projects with a more immediate impact on sustainability.
“We are working on it, but it has to come behind things that have a more serious impact on the world. So, just thank you to all our long-suffering Tesla Roadster deposit holders,” Musk stated.
As of now, neither Tesla nor Altman’s representatives have responded to requests for comment. This refund request comes amid ongoing tensions between Altman and Musk, particularly following Musk’s legal challenges against OpenAI. Musk has accused the company of straying from its nonprofit roots, a claim that has escalated into a complex legal battle.
Altman’s public remarks about Musk have also shifted, as he reflected on their partnership. “For a long time, I looked up to him as an incredible hero… I have different feelings now,” he said during a recent interview. This relationship has been under scrutiny since Musk left OpenAI’s board in 2018 and has since criticized Altman’s leadership.
As Altman pushes for his refund, the implications of this saga extend beyond a single vehicle—highlighting the frustrations of countless other Tesla customers waiting for their Roadsters. The ongoing delays and Altman’s public grievances could spark renewed scrutiny of Tesla’s production timelines and customer service.
With no official response from Tesla regarding Altman’s email or the broader concerns of Roadster customers, the situation remains fluid. Stakeholders are left wondering not only about Altman’s refund but also about the future of Tesla’s much-hyped Roadster.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. Will Altman receive his refund, and what does this mean for other customers? The automotive world is watching closely.
