Sam Altman Demands $50K Refund for Delayed Tesla Roadster

UPDATE: Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has urgently requested a refund of $50,000 for a Tesla Roadster he reserved back in July 2018. The high-profile tech executive took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his frustration after his refund request email bounced back, leaving him without his deposit.

Altman’s public plea highlights the ongoing delays surrounding Tesla’s much-anticipated second-generation Roadster, originally slated for production in 2020. In a post titled “A tale in three acts,” Altman included a screenshot of his original confirmation for a $45,000 deposit, emphasizing how 7.5 years is an excruciatingly long wait for a car he was once excited about.

“I really was excited for the car! And I understand delays. But 7.5 years has felt like a long time to wait,” he stated, expressing his disappointment over the lack of communication from Tesla.

As of now, there has been no response from Tesla representatives regarding Altman’s refund request, raising questions about customer service amidst ongoing production setbacks. The new Roadster was heralded by Tesla CEO Elon Musk as the fastest production car ever, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in under two seconds. However, repeated delays have left many deposit holders, including Altman, feeling frustrated and neglected.

This incident takes place against the backdrop of a tense relationship between Altman and Musk. Their legal battle over OpenAI, a company they co-founded in 2015, has seen Musk publicly criticize Altman’s leadership and even file lawsuits accusing OpenAI of straying from its nonprofit mission.

In a recent interview, Altman reflected, “For a long time, I looked up to him as an incredible hero… I have different feelings now,” signaling a significant shift in their relationship.

As the situation develops, observers are keenly watching to see how Tesla will respond to Altman’s refund request and if it will spur any changes in their production timelines. The ongoing legal disputes and public exchanges between Altman and Musk add further complexity to this high-stakes scenario.

Tesla’s current focus remains on achieving a sustainable energy future, as reiterated by Musk during an earnings call in October 2024. While he acknowledged the Roadster project, he emphasized that it must take a backseat to initiatives that have a more immediate impact.

Altman’s demand for a refund not only underscores the considerable wait for a highly anticipated vehicle but also serves as a poignant reminder of the human element in high-stakes tech dealings. With no resolution in sight, the situation remains tense for both parties involved.

Stay tuned for further updates on this unfolding story.