Sam Altman wants a refund for his $50,000 Tesla Roadster deposit

Sam Altman wants a refund for his $50,000 Tesla Roadster deposit

In a world where electric vehicles are rapidly evolving, the promise of Tesla's Roadster 2.0 feels increasingly distant. When Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled the much-anticipated model back in 2017, he captivated audiences with ambitious features including a suction fan and cold gas thrusters, alongside an impressive range of 620 miles. However, as the years roll on, the reality of this vehicle remains uncertain, with many early backers growing weary of the prolonged wait. Among those seeking a refund is Sam Altman, a prominent figure in Silicon Valley. On July 11, 2018, he placed a substantial deposit of $45,000 (equivalent to around $58,206 today) for a Roadster. However, after reaching out to Tesla for his money back, he encountered a frustrating obstacle: the email address for preorder inquiries had been deactivated. Altman's predicament highlights a common issue faced by others in the same situation. Notably, tech reviewer Marques Brownlee also had to navigate a challenging path to reclaim most of his $50,000 deposit. Many have turned to online forums, such as Reddit and the Tesla community, to share their experiences and strategies for successfully obtaining refunds from the electric vehicle manufacturer. As anticipation dwindles, it remains to be seen how Tesla will address the growing demand for refunds from frustrated customers.

Sources : Ars Technica

Published On : Oct 31, 2025, 18:40

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