Tesla Roadster’s Long Road: Delays, Demands, and a Demo on the Horizon
The highly anticipated Tesla Roadster continues to be a subject of both excitement and frustration for those who pre-ordered the vehicle years ago. Elon Musk recently addressed the ongoing delays and offered a glimpse into the future of the electric sports car, while also engaging in a public exchange with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman regarding a reservation cancellation.
A Shifting Timeline
Initially, Musk suggested a reveal of the production version next year would be a delay in itself. Just last week, he reiterated his intention to showcase the car before the end of this year during an appearance on the joe Rogan podcast. However, during a recent meeting, Musk clarified the Roadster “will be very different from what was shown previously.”
He further teased a demo that he promised would be “the most exciting, whether it works or not, demo ever of any product.” This playful remark hints at Musk’s long-held ambition to incorporate SpaceX-built thrusters, possibly enabling the Roadster to fly.
Musk anticipates a production launch 12 to 18 months after the reveal scheduled for April. This means potential customers shoudl brace for a longer wait than initially expected.
Founders Series Holders to Get a First Look
During a question-and-answer session, a shareholder inquired about inviting those who secured “Founders Series” Roadsters to the reveal event. These early adopters invested $250,000 in 2017 to reserve special versions of the car.
Musk assured attendees that inviting these customers is “the least we can do for our long-suffering Roadster reservation holders.”
A Public Cancellation and Refund dispute
OpenAI’s Sam Altman recently attempted to cancel his Roadster reservation and initially faced difficulties securing a refund. He shared his experience on social media,detailing a multi-step process that initially resulted in bounced emails.
Altman expressed his initial excitement for the vehicle but acknowledged that “7.5 years has felt like a long time to wait.”
Musk responded to Altman’s post, claiming the issue was resolved within 24 hours and attributing the initial difficulty to Altman’s character. This exchange highlights the growing impatience among long-time reservation holders.
What This Means for You
If you’re a Roadster reservation holder, here’s what you need to know:
* Patience is key. The production timeline has been extended, and further delays are possible.
* Expect a redesigned vehicle. The final product will differ significantly from earlier concepts.
* The demo is worth watching. It could offer a glimpse into the innovative features Musk is planning.
* Refunds are possible. While initially challenging,cancellations and refunds are being processed.
The Tesla Roadster’s journey has been anything but straightforward.While the promise of a groundbreaking electric sports car remains, potential buyers should be prepared for a continued wait and evolving expectations. As the April reveal approaches, all eyes will be on Tesla to deliver on its ambitious vision.
