OpenAI founder Sam Altman has expressed disappointment with Tesla Inc. regarding the highly anticipated Roadster. The vehicle is expected to start production soon.
Background on the Roadster Reservation
Altman shared an email exchange with Tesla on the social media platform X, detailing his attempts to cancel his Roadster reservation. The process, which Altman referred to as “a tale in three acts,” involved:
- Making a reservation for the Roadster in 2018 and paying the required $50,000.
- Attempting to cancel the booking and initiate a $50K refund.
- Discovering that the email used to cancel the reservation no longer exists.
Response from Tesla
Tesla did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the matter. The company’s official website still allows customers to make reservations for the Roadster, requiring a $5,000 upfront payment and an additional $45,000 payment via wire transfer within 10 days.
Roadster Reservation Agreement
According to the Roadster Reservation Agreement, the reservation amount is fully refundable until the customer enters into the Motor Vehicle Purchase Agreement. Tesla states, “Until you enter into the Motor Vehicle Purchase Agreement, your Reservation may be cancelled at any time through your Tesla Account and for any reason, by either you or us, in which case you will receive a full refund of your Reservation Payment.”
Sam Altman’s Experience
Altman shared that he was initially excited about the car but felt that the 7.5-year wait was too long. He explained, “I really was excited for the car! And I understand delays. But 7.5 years has felt like a long time to wait.”
Other Instances of Roadster Reservation Cancellations
Popular YouTuber Marques Brownlee, also known as MKBHD, recently canceled one of his two Roadster reservations, which he made eight years ago. Brownlee paid the $50,000 reservation fee for each vehicle.
Recent Developments
Tesla recently filed a patent application for an adaptive aerodynamic system that could generate downforce by sucking air through a series of fans. The patent was granted in early August.
Conclusion
The issue highlights the challenges faced by customers who have been waiting for the Roadster’s release. As the production of the vehicle is expected to start soon, it remains to be seen how Tesla will address the concerns of customers like Altman and Brownlee.
Additional Information
For more information on the Future Of Mobility coverage, please visit the following link: Future Of Mobility.