BYD Song L vs Tesla Model Y: what should a Ukrainian driver choose?

A few years ago, an electric car was something distant and incomprehensible to most Ukrainian drivers. Today, the situation has changed radically. Charging stations are appearing not only in big cities but also along major highways. And most importantly, the choice of cars is no longer limited to Tesla models.

BYD, a Chinese manufacturer that has long held strong positions in Asia, is confidently entering our market. Its Song L model looks like a serious competitor to the Tesla Model Y, especially considering the price, dynamics, and equipment. In this article, we will look at the differences between these two cars and which is better suited for a Ukrainian driver.

We remind you that you can purchase home and commercial charging stations in our online storeand also use the public charging stations ECOFACTORcharging points located throughout Ukraine. For convenient access to charging infrastructure, we recommend using our mobile applicationwhich is available on iOS and Android.

Dimensions and design

At first glance, it seems that the Tesla Model Y and BYD Song L are just two mid-sized electric crossovers that differ only in the emblem on the hood. But when you look more closely, you realise that these cars have completely different "design philosophies".

Tesla sticks to its usual minimalism. There is not a single unnecessary touch in its appearance: smooth lines, streamlined shapes, calm proportions. Everything is as functional as possible, without frills. The interior has been simplified to the point of absurdity: everything is actually controlled from one central screen, and there are almost no physical buttons or switches that we are used to. This is convenient for those who are already used to this format, but some drivers, especially those of the older generation, may feel a little confused.

The BYD Song L, on the other hand, looks like it was created to be looked at. Its silhouette resembles a sports hatchback, elongated and slightly lowered. The front end with its distinctive headlights and sharp lines looks aggressive, almost European. The side of the body has muscular shapes, and the spoiler (electric in some versions) adds to the feeling that you are looking at not just a crossover, but something closer to Gran Turismo.

The dimensions of both cars are indeed very close: Tesla is 4790 mm long, 1982 mm wide and 1624 mm high. In the BYD, the exact dimensions vary slightly depending on the configuration, but they are almost identical. However, the Song L's body shape and visual accents make it appear lower and wider, although it is not. It simply gives the impression of a more "squat" and sporty car.

For some, Tesla will be the embodiment of restrained elegance - nothing superfluous, everything for the job. And someone will feel that the Song L's design speaks to them in the same language - with character, a hint of drive, modern aesthetics without excessive coldness. And both options have the right to exist, because people have different tastes: some people want visual calmness, while others want a car that looks like it just stepped off a concept car.

Power and dynamics: who is faster?

Different configurations of the BYD Song L allow you to choose a car for every taste and driving style. Tesla Model Y RWD has only one variant, and it is quite balanced, but not the most agile in the class.

Features:

Tesla Model Y RWD (2025):

• Power: 220 kW (299 hp)
• Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5.9 sec
• Drive: rear wheel drive

BYD Song L (depending on the version):

• From 204 hp (550 Base) to 517 hp (4WD)
• Acceleration: from 8.5 sec to 4.3 sec
• Drive: rear or all-wheel drive

So, if maximum dynamics is important to you, the all-wheel drive version of the BYD will be much more agile than the Tesla. But if normal acceleration is enough for you, both cars do a good job.

Power reserve: who will last longer?

This is one of the key issues for electric cars in Ukraine, where charging infrastructure can sometimes be not very conveniently located.

Tesla Model Y RWD:

• Real range: about 375 km (in ideal conditions - up to 435 km)
• Battery capacity: 60.5 kWh (usable)
• Consumption: 161 Watt-hours/km

BYD Song L:

• Depending on the version: from 550 to 662 km (according to NEDC)
• Battery: 71.8 kWh or 87 kWh
• But it should be borne in mind that NEDC overestimates the figures by 20-30%

If we translate the NEDC into more realistic figures, it turns out that the Song L with an 87 kWh battery has a realistic range of about 450-500 km. This is more than Tesla's, and is important for those who drive a lot and don't want to charge every day.

Charging: speed and convenience

In the city or at home, most people charge their cars via an AC connection. But when travelling, fast charging makes all the difference.

Tesla Model Y RWD:

• AC: up to 11 kW (full charge ~6.5 hours)
• DC: up to 175 kW (10-80% in ~24 min)

BYD Song L (data on the 662 configuration):

• Availability of DC charging, power depends on the model
• In China, BYD models support 150+ kW charging, but in Ukraine, everything depends on the charging network

Tesla has an advantage in the stability and support of the Supercharger network (although it is limited in Ukraine). But BYD will charge no worse on good Ukrainian chargers (such as ECOFACTOR or TOKA) - if the car supports high power.

Interior and comfort: it's all about taste

Tesla offers a minimalist interior with a single screen and almost no buttons. For some, it's convenient, for others, it's too "empty".

BYD, on the other hand, gives you a cabin with screens, seat adjustments, massage, aromatics, heated steering wheel and second row. In the 662 Top version, it really does look like a premium.

Tesla's advantages:

• Stable autopilot system
• Excellent multimedia
• Simple ergonomics

Advantages of BYD:

• Rich functionality in the highest trim levels
• Better finish of materials
• Traditional control (buttons, physical controls)

Prices in Ukraine: what do we get for our money?

Tesla Model Y RWD, as of 2025 - about $45,000 in Europe, in Ukraine with customs clearance and delivery can reach $55,000

BYD Song L (via electric car services):

• 550 Base - from $27 500
• 662 Base - from $28 900
• 662 Top - from $32 000
• 4WD - up to $34 900

The difference is noticeable. Even the all-wheel drive Song L is cheaper than Tesla. At the same time, it has better performance in some aspects.

Comparative table: BYD Song L vs Tesla Model Y 

Parameter.	BYD Song L (4WD)	Tesla Model Y RWD (2025)
Drive type	Full	Rear
Power	380 kW (517 hp)	220 kW (299 hp)
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	4.3 sec	5.9 sec
Battery capacity	Up to 87 kWh	60.5 kWh (useful)
Power reserve (real)	~450-500 km	~375 km
Maximum DC charging speed	~150+ kW	up to 175 kW
Interior.	Classic, premium, with buttons	Minimalist, touch-sensitive control
Additional features	Massage, aromatisation, Alcantara	Autopilot, Sentry Mode, Tesla Arcade
Price in Ukraine	from $27 500 to $34 900	about $55 000

Who is each car suitable for?

The Tesla Model Y is best suited for those who have already dealt with the Tesla ecosystem, are used to a buttonless interface, and appreciate regular, effortless software updates. This is an option for those who do not want to experiment with new brands, are willing to pay more for stability, and who value access to autopilot, branded multimedia, and a simple but proven design.

BYD Song L is more suitable for drivers who want to get the most features for their money. If you value dynamics, all-wheel drive, and acceleration in the region of 4 seconds, the Song L will easily outperform the Tesla in these respects. It's also an option for those who prefer a classic approach to driving, like a comfortable interior with buttons, heating, ventilation, and even massage, and don't want to pay for a logo on the steering wheel.

Where to charge BYD Song L or Tesla Model Y in Ukraine: ECOFACTOR 

If you are choosing between BYD Song L and Tesla Model Y, you should immediately think about the infrastructure. After all, what good is a big battery or fast charging if there is no place to use it? This is where we at ECOFACTOR come in. We create a full cycle of charging solutions - from the production of stations to a mobile application that allows you to quickly find the nearest point on the map of charging stations throughout Ukraine and even beyond.

We have AC stations up to 44 kW and DC stations up to 420 kW, which are suitable for both daily urban use and fast charging on the road. Whether you have a BYD Song L with fast DC charging or a Tesla with a CCS connector, there will be no compatibility issues. We develop and manufacture all devices in Ukraine in accordance with industry standards.

To make it convenient to charge your car not only at home or in the city, we have launched the ECOFACTOR mobile app, which is available on iOS and Android. It allows you to track free stations, set up billing, see your charging history, and even check your energy consumption - all in just a few clicks. More than 215,000 electric vehicle drivers have already registered with the app, and the network itself has thousands of charging ports.

We also have online shopwhere you can find accessories, cables and adapters for electric vehicles. This is convenient, because if you need an adapter or a new cable, you don't have to look for it somewhere else. Everything you need is right at your fingertips: from RFID cards to replacement connectors.

For those who want to install charging station Whether at home, in a business, near a residential complex or a hotel, we offer not only the sale of equipment but also network management through our SaaS platform. This is especially useful for businesses that want to control costs, charge charging rates or integrate the system into their overall energy consumption metering.

And regardless of what you choose - BYD Song L or Tesla Model Y - charging your car through ECOFACTOR will be easy. We make sure that the charging infrastructure is not a weak point, but rather a part of everyday comfort.

Conclusion: which car to choose?

Both the BYD Song L and Tesla Model Y have their strengths, and it would be unfair to say that one of them is better. Tesla is all about proven technology, firmware updates, autopilot, and an experience that has already become familiar to many. But you have to pay more for it. BYD Song L, on the other hand, offers more equipment options, better equipment for the same money, and, importantly, does not lag behind in key technical parameters.

If a brand, a stable ecosystem, and a minimalist approach are important to you, Model Y is an obvious choice. But if you are looking for a car with character, want to feel comfortable, have a massage in the seat and not overpay, then it makes sense to look at Song L. In the real conditions of Ukrainian roads and charging infrastructure, both options look viable, especially if you have the ECOFACTOR app at hand and charging does not turn into a quest.

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