Tesla is way ahead of everyone right now, with the clear competitive advantage in this industry. BMW i8's price, performance and distance range is nowhere close to the Model S P85D.

The biggest problem for Tesla is the lack of infrastructure (charging stations) available worldwide. They tried to expand into China and they pretty much failed. This is why Tesla offers their patents for free (e.g., will not pursue lawsuits) because they want others to join the industry to help build the infrastructure.

With their new Gigafactory with Panasonic completed by 2020, Tesla is probably going to be more than just a car company...

Actually Telsa lacks manufacturing infrastructure.. a problem ever since their "single speed gear box" fiasco. Putting things like titanium plates to protect batteries sounds impressive, or even inconel use but hardly scalable in an automotive scale.. aerospace yes.. automotive no. Profit margins reflect that.

They can't use CF economically because BMW and Audi have exclusive rights since they are part owners of SGL

Impressive as it sounds, Tesla is a relatively small fish on the public market.. they have to make their cars profitable and I doubt they can do it in the scale of the larger companies.

Panasonic is an interesting choice because most German car companies partnered with LG Chem.

Tesla's new prototype charger.