Overview
- Sam Altman posted emails showing a July 2018 Roadster reservation with a $45,000 payment and a 2025 request for a $50,000 refund that bounced from Tesla’s listed address.
- After no initial response from Tesla, Elon Musk replied on X two days later claiming the refund was fixed within 24 hours, a statement not independently verified in the coverage.
- The next‑generation Roadster was unveiled in 2017 with a 2020 production target but remains delayed, with some holders reporting refund friction over the years.
- YouTuber Marques Brownlee said he canceled one Roadster reservation after about eight years and received $45,000 back, noting Tesla retained the initial $5,000 and the process was lengthy.
- Musk recently said Tesla aims to demonstrate an updated Roadster before year‑end, and reports noted fresh job postings and designer comments pointing to renewed work on the program.