Sam Altman Criticizes Tesla Over Roadster Refund Sparking Response from Musk
Recent interactions between Elon Musk and Sam Altman have reignited interest in the long-awaited Tesla Roadster. On October 30, 2023, Altman, CEO of OpenAI, shared his frustration regarding a failed attempt to cancel his reservation for the Tesla Roadster, which he placed back in July 2018.
Roadster Reservation and Refund Request
Altman had made a $45,000 reservation for the Roadster. After waiting for several years, he attempted to cancel this order and obtain a refund in 2025. He responded to the original confirmation email, only to encounter an “address not found” error.
Long Wait for the Tesla Roadster
This situation raises questions about customer service and communication, particularly given the lengthy wait for a vehicle that has yet to be launched. It’s not uncommon for company email addresses to change over time; however, for a car company to hold a reservation without delivering a product for over seven years is rather unusual.
Musk’s Response to Altman
Elon Musk responded to Altman’s tweet on November 1, 2023. Instead of addressing the refund directly, Musk shifted focus to Altman’s role with OpenAI. He accused Altman of “stealing” a non-profit, referring to OpenAI’s transition from a non-profit to a for-profit organization.
Additionally, Musk claimed that Altman’s refund issue had been resolved and that he received the refund within 24 hours.
The Future of the Roadster
Despite Altman’s predicament, Musk remains optimistic about the Roadster’s future. He indicated that Tesla is nearing the unveiling of a prototype, boasting that it would be unlike any car previously seen — “crazier than all James Bond cars combined” — and hinted at its potential ability to fly. However, this announcement raises skepticism given that the car’s initial launch was expected in 2020.
Conclusion
The ongoing exchanges highlight the tension between Musk and Altman while simultaneously shedding light on the extended delays associated with the Tesla Roadster. The automotive community and Tesla enthusiasts will be watching closely as these developments unfold.
