Tesla CEO Elon Musk says protectionism is the only thing stopping China's cheap EVs from demolishing the competition

Competition from Chinese EV automakers may be starting to get to Elon Musk and Tesla. After a long battle for market share in China, Tesla’s CEO issued a warning to his fellow automakers: That, on a level playing field, Chinese carmakers will outcompete almost everyone else. “Our observation is generally that Chinese car companies are the most competitive car companies in the world,” Musk said Wednesday, during Tesla’s earnings call. “If there are no trade barriers established, they will pretty much demolish most other car companies in the world,” he continued. Musk’s tune on Chinese EVs has changed significantly since…