The global electric vehicle (EV) industry is bracing for a dramatic shake-up after Tesla CEO Elon Musk unleashed a strategic offensive against Chinese EV giant BYD. Sources close to Tesla’s leadership revealed that Musk has approved a multi-pronged plan designed to aggressively undercut BYD’s dominance in key markets, starting with Europe and Southeast Asia.

The move comes amid growing tension between Western and Chinese EV manufacturers. In recent years, BYD has surged ahead to become the world’s top EV maker by volume, leveraging its scale and vertically integrated supply chain to flood markets with affordable electric cars. Musk, once an admirer of BYD’s rapid ascent, is now reportedly concerned about the long-term implications of ceding market share to a Chinese powerhouse.

Tesla’s new strategy will reportedly involve an aggressive pricing war, targeted marketing campaigns highlighting Tesla’s technology edge, and a major ramp-up in the production of lower-cost models, particularly the highly anticipated next-gen Model 2. According to insiders, Musk has told his team: “We are not here to lose. The EV revolution should not be handed over on a silver platter.”

At the heart of Musk’s attack is an audacious plan to slash prices on several Tesla models across Europe by as much as 15%, positioning them directly against BYD’s top-selling models like the Dolphin and Atto 3. In parallel, Tesla will also roll out an extended battery warranty and enhanced over-the-air features, aiming to shift the narrative from cheap EVs to smart and future-proof EVs.

But this is not just about price cuts. In a rare show of direct confrontation, Musk recently made veiled references to the “opaque” manufacturing processes of some “low-cost competitors” in a high-profile investor call — a comment widely interpreted as a jab at BYD and other Chinese players. Analysts say Musk is preparing to weaponize Tesla’s brand image and transparency to sow doubt among global consumers about the true quality of certain budget EVs.

The timing of this move is no accident. BYD has been aggressively expanding its European footprint, with plans to open multiple production facilities across the continent. European regulators are simultaneously weighing tariffs on Chinese EV imports, a development that Tesla could exploit to strengthen its market position.

Musk’s offensive also extends to Southeast Asia, where Tesla is planning a major marketing blitz and new supercharging infrastructure to counter BYD’s recent gains. The first salvos in this battle will be seen in markets like Thailand and Malaysia over the coming months.

Industry watchers are calling this a pivotal moment in the global EV race. If Musk’s gamble pays off, it could trigger a realignment of power in the industry — but it could also spark a full-blown trade war in the EV sector. For now, one thing is clear: the era of cozy coexistence between Tesla and BYD is officially over.

Stay tuned. The electric future just got a lot more volatile.