> we can replace "Toyota" in your comment with most of the companies in SPY and it would sound very similar

Yes. Does this make the previous comment any less true? I'd say it's likely neutral or might even make it more true.

At this point it is not Tesla vs the rest of the industry. The other two of the 3 biggest manufacturers, GM and VW, are both intensely invested in battery electric vehicles. Among the big players it is only Toyota playing this FUD game now (even Mazda who were panning BEVs for a long time seems to have decided to do some EV stuff, even if it looks a bit mediocre).

Elon was smart to see the potential early on. But GM also started around the same time with the original Volt (which is still an awesome vehicle.)

I would argue it wasn't just that Elon was smart to see that potential, he created it. He showed that it was possible to have a fully electric call that is usable and attractive looking.

Before Tesla, existing car manufacturers made cars with low range that were fugly looking, probably trying to show regulating bodies that no one would be interested in electric cars.

Because the statement could apply, doesn't mean it is or needs to. The argument was directed at Toyota specifically.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whataboutism

Toyota is the largest car manufacturer in the world. They should not be partaking in these behaviors.