A new spark of rivalry has reignited between two of the world’s most prominent tech billionaires. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, reportedly expressed frustration after Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates revealed that he had purchased an electric Porsche Taycan rather than a Tesla.
In a recent interview, Gates praised the performance and design of the Porsche Taycan, calling it “one of the best electric vehicles” he had ever driven. While he acknowledged Tesla’s achievements in pioneering the EV industry, his choice to go with a non-Tesla brand caught many by surprise — especially Elon Musk.
Musk, never shy on social media, took to X (formerly Twitter) and reportedly called Gates “underwhelming” in his commitment to sustainable transport. “It’s disappointing,” Musk said in a since-deleted tweet. “Gates has zero clue about electric cars.”
This isn’t the first time the two billionaires have clashed. In the past, they’ve disagreed on topics ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to climate change solutions. Musk has previously criticized Gates for shorting Tesla stock, implying that Gates’ financial actions contradicted his public support for clean energy.
So why did Gates choose Porsche?
Insiders say Gates was impressed by Porsche’s engineering legacy and saw the Taycan as a symbol of traditional luxury adapting to a green future. Some sources also suggest Gates wanted to avoid the spotlight that comes with being seen as a Tesla supporter, particularly after his previous tensions with Musk.
Despite the snub, Tesla remains the dominant force in the electric vehicle market. Still, the incident highlights the growing competition in the EV space and the increasingly personal dynamics between the tech titans shaping the future of mobility.
For now, the battle between Musk and Gates continues—not just in boardrooms and labs, but also on the open road.
