CNBC AI News, May 21 — Tesla CEO Elon Musk addressed questions about Chinese EV maker BYD’s escalating rivalry during a recent media interview, offering insights that reveal both his strategic focus and evolving perspective on the competitive landscape.
When asked about BYD’s rise as a global electric vehicle (EV) powerhouse now closely competing with Tesla, Musk maintained his characteristic focus on internal priorities. “My primary concern isn’t tracking competitors,” he stated. “It’s about executing our vision to create revolutionary vehicles that redefine transportation.”
The exchange recalls a notable 2011 interview resurfaced by social media users last year, where Musk famously laughed when asked about BYD’s technology. At the time, he dismissed their vehicles as noncompetitive, quipping, “Have you seen their cars?” When pressed if he viewed BYD as a rival, Musk bluntly replied, “No.”
In a 2023 reflection on this viral clip, however, Musk acknowledged changed realities: “That was years ago. Their cars are now highly competitive.” His tempered response underscores a strategic shift observed by industry analysts, as BYD increasingly disrupts Tesla’s dominance.
Data from CleanTechnica quantifies this seismic shift: BYD captured 15.4% of global battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales in Q1 2025, outselling Tesla by 79,707 units and marking its second consecutive quarter as the BEV sales leader. The Chinese automaker’s vertical integration—from batteries to semiconductors—has enabled aggressive pricing and rapid market expansion, particularly in emerging economies.
While Musk’s remarks emphasize forward-looking innovation over competitor obsession, the numbers reveal an inescapable truth: The EV throne is no longer Tesla’s exclusive domain. As geopolitical trade dynamics and consumer preferences evolve, this rivalry may ultimately accelerate global decarbonization efforts—a scenario where both companies could claim victory, even if their CEOs never share a podium.
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