Elon Musk Responds to Sam Altman on Tesla Roadster Cancellation Refund
Elon Musk and Sam Altman have recently engaged in a public dispute revolving around Altman’s Tesla Roadster reservation. The exchange began when Altman shared screenshots indicating his attempt to cancel the long-awaited order.
Details of the Tesla Roadster Cancellation
Altman posted an email from July 2018 confirming his $45,000 deposit for the next-generation Roadster. He later shared additional screenshots showing his request for a $50,000 refund, which prompted a bounce-back email response. In a reflection of his frustration, Altman stated, “I really was excited for the car! And I understand delays. But 7.5 years has felt like a long time to wait.”
Elon Musk’s Rebuttal
In response, Musk criticized Altman’s portrayal of the situation on his social media platform, X. He claimed that Altman neglected to mention that the issue had been resolved, resulting in a refund within 24 hours. Musk emphasized that Altman’s narrative only presented a partial truth.
Background on Tesla’s Roadster
The Tesla Roadster was first unveiled by Musk in 2017, touted as “the fastest production car ever made.” However, the vehicle has faced significant delays and remains in the “design development” stage according to Tesla’s quarterly earnings report. Notably, popular tech reviewer MKBHD also announced the cancellation of his Roadster reservation due to the extended wait.
Future of the Roadster
During an interview on the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, Musk teased that the upcoming Roadster would feature advanced technology. “If you took all the James Bond cars and combined them, it’s crazier than that,” Musk stated, indicating his belief that the vehicle’s debut will be a remarkable event.
Ongoing Tensions Between Musk and Altman
The disagreements between Musk and Altman extend beyond social media. Musk, a cofounder of OpenAI, left the board in 2018 and has since criticized Altman’s leadership. In a 2023 tweet, he expressed his concerns that OpenAI had strayed from its original nonprofit mission, becoming more aligned with for-profit interests under Microsoft’s control.
Legal Actions and Related Developments
In 2024, Musk initiated legal action against OpenAI and Altman, alleging violations of the organization’s nonprofit mission. This was followed by a request for an injunction to prevent OpenAI from transitioning to a for-profit entity, which OpenAI dismissed as “utterly without merit.” Recently, OpenAI has restructured its operations, establishing the OpenAI Foundation and the OpenAI Group PBC to oversee its new direction.
The ongoing saga surrounding the Tesla Roadster cancellation shows how personal and professional tensions can intertwine in the fast-paced tech industry.
