OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has been waiting for his Tesla Roadster for 7.5 years, and now he wants his $50,000 deposit back. However, his recent attempt to secure a refund was unsuccessful, adding to his frustration over the prolonged delay. This situation is unfolding amidst reports of a personal feud between Altman and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, adding another layer of complexity to the saga.
The Tesla Roadster Announcement and Early Orders
In 2018, Tesla introduced the Roadster, a high-performance electric vehicle that sparked excitement and led to early reservations. Among those who placed a deposit was Sam Altman, who put down $50,000 to secure one of the first units. The Roadster was touted as a flagship model with impressive specifications. However, the production timelines were vaguely outlined at the launch, with expectations set for deliveries to begin around 2020.
Altman’s Initial Reservation Details
As the CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman was one of the high-profile early adopters who placed a $50,000 deposit for the Tesla Roadster in 2018. The deposit was non-refundable under Tesla’s terms at the time, reflecting Altman’s commitment to the vehicle amid the hype surrounding its potential to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) market.
Escalating Delays in Roadster Production
Unfortunately, the production of the Tesla Roadster faced multiple delays after the 2018 order window. Initial promises of delivery by 2020 were pushed back due to engineering and supply challenges. By late 2025, 7.5 years had passed since Altman’s 2018 order, and no Roadster units had been delivered to reservation holders like him.
Altman’s Push for a Refund
Given the extended wait, Sam Altman recently requested a refund of his $50,000 Tesla Roadster deposit. He described his experience as a “tale in three acts“, highlighting the stages from order to delay to refund pursuit.
Tesla’s Response to the Refund Request
Despite Altman’s persistence, Tesla denied his request for a refund of the $50,000 Roadster deposit. This decision left him without the funds after a 7.5-year wait. Reports indicate that Tesla upheld its policy on the non-refundable nature of the 2018 deposit.
Underlying Tensions with Elon Musk
The refund saga is unfolding against the backdrop of a reported feud with Elon Musk. Altman has publicly criticized Tesla’s delays, adding a personal dimension to the situation. Musk, Tesla’s CEO, has not directly commented on Altman’s case, but the personal dynamics between the two tech figures have intensified scrutiny on the Roadster’s delayed progress.
Altman’s Expressed Frustrations
Following the denial of his refund, Sam Altman shared that the ordeal “felt like…” a prolonged and disappointing engagement with Tesla. He has expressed a desire to get his Tesla money back in full, signaling a shift from initial enthusiasm to disillusionment after the 7.5-year wait on his 2018 Roadster deposit.
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