YangWang U8L vs Tesla Model 3: the choice for Ukrainian roads

The Tesla Model 3 and the YangWang U8L are such different cars that at first glance this comparison looks a little strange. One car is a classic electric sedan that fits perfectly into the urban environment. The other is a three-tonne hybrid SUV with air suspension, a golden emblem and the ability to move on water. But for a Ukrainian driver, the choice is not always based on the body type or engine type alone. The question is what is best suited to our realities - winters, potholes, periodic power outages and the desire to get into everything at once.

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.

Tesla Model 3: minimalism and logic

Tesla Model 3 in the 2025 version has an updated look and slightly improved performance. It is no longer just a "car from America" - it is well known in Ukraine, especially after a wave of imports from abroad. In the new model, the 60 kWh LFP battery provides a realistic range of up to 440 km, and even up to 640 km in the city in summer.

Tesla charges quickly: 175 kW of power on fast chargers gives the 80% 24 minutes. On long-distance journeys, it behaves confidently, has stable energy efficiency and is well suited for daily commuting - both in the city and on the highway.

Comfort, but not luxury

The inside is minimalist. One screen, clean design, intuitive controls. The interior is comfortable, with five full seats, a fairly roomy trunk (594 litres), plus a small "franc" in front. There is heating, ventilation, a heat exchanger, everything you need in winter.

All in all, Model 3 is about practicality. It won't surprise you, but it won't let you down either. Especially if it is important for you to spend less on charging, have a familiar interface and not bother with unnecessary sensors or features.

YangWang U8L: the Chinese answer to everything at once

If Tesla is logic, then YangWang U8L is "why not?". The 5.4-metre-long elongated hybrid SUV looks like a cross between a Range Rover and a Transformer. It has 1,180 hp (yes, more than the Veyron), 4 electric motors, a 2-litre petrol engine and a 49.05 kWh battery. This allows you not only to drive, but also to float - literally. It has a water driving mode, air suspension with a ground clearance of up to 230 mm, and even a turn-in-place function.

The U8L can travel up to 1000 km at a time (in a mixed cycle of petrol + electric), which seriously changes the perception of "hybridity".

More than you need inside

Interior - leather, wood, three screens in the front, one in the rear, heating/ventilation/massage for the first and second rows. It seats 6 people in a 2+2+2 configuration, with gold logos and decor. This is not just a car, but a business class cabin on wheels. There are even windows with adjustable dimming and OLED displays with charge information.

The average price starts at 1.3 million yuan, which is approximately $181,000. Although this is significantly more expensive than Tesla, by Chinese standards, it is an alternative to Cullinan, not a "people's electric car".

What is important for the Ukrainian context?

Comparing cars without taking into account our realities is like looking at a picture and thinking you already know everything. Ukrainian roads, climate and infrastructure dictate their own requirements for a car. And what works well in California may not be as convenient in Kharkiv or Kolomyia.

Road surfaces and off-road conditions

It's no secret that there are few perfect roads in Ukraine. Even in cities, you can find a pothole so deep that you remember it for a week. The Tesla Model 3, with its stiff sports suspension, is very sensitive to such bumps. Yes, it holds the road well, but driving on a broken asphalt lane or gravel road is not a pleasant experience. Every bump is sent to the steering wheel, back and mood.

The YangWang U8L is much calmer in this regard. Thanks to its high ground clearance, air suspension, and large wheel travel, it literally swallows most bumps. Where the Model 3 slows down and thinks about how to go around, the U8L simply drives forward. If you need to drive into the village, go fishing, to the dacha, or simply have a road with "surprises", this option is much more practical.

Winter, ice, mud

Tesla can be surprising in winter. It has a battery preheating system, good traction control and a stabilisation system. But this all works well when you're on dry asphalt or compacted snow. On a slippery hill, on ice or when you need to push through a snowdrift, the rear-wheel drive and low ground clearance become a real problem.

The YangWang U8L has four electric motors and all-wheel drive. In addition, its rear wheels can swivel, making it easier to manoeuvre on slippery surfaces. It also has a Disus-P system that helps stabilise the car in difficult conditions. And let's not forget that the U8L can even float if it gets really flooded. This is no joke - the car can really overcome water obstacles.

In short, in winter or during the spring off-road season, the advantage is obvious. If you don't live in the centre of a metropolis and often go off the beaten track, an electric SUV will make your life much easier.

Maintenance, repair and charging infrastructure

Tesla has already taken root in Ukraine quite well. Although there is still no official service, unofficial service stations have learnt to repair and maintain these cars. Spare parts are available, diagnostics are not a problem, firmware is updated, and charging adapters can be found. And the charging infrastructure itself is getting better - especially in big cities and along the highways.

But with YangWang, everything is more complicated. This is a new player in our market, and currently only enthusiasts know about it. There is no official service, the specifications may differ from the version on the Chinese market, and even a simple replacement of a headlight or display is still an issue. You'll have to do it on your knees, or wait for some kind of support to appear. And this is a serious disadvantage, especially if you are used to having any malfunction resolved quickly.

And one more thing: since the U8L is a hybrid with a petrol engine, you will need to service not only the electrical part but also the internal combustion engine. That is, you need a mechanic who knows both.

How we at ECOFACTOR are helping to charge the future, whether it's Tesla or YangWang

At ECOFACTOR, we understand that choosing between a Tesla Model 3 and a YangWang U8L is not just a matter of technical specifications. It's also about how convenient it is to charge your car on a daily basis, especially in our realities. And this is where infrastructure comes to the fore - charging stations, cables and adapters, ease of access, management apps and a map where you can find a charging point without any hassle.

For over 10 years, our company has been working to make charging electric vehicles in Ukraine not an exception, but a daily routine. We fully develop and manufacture chargers in Ukraine - and this is our conscious choice. This means that we know exactly what roads, climate and challenges drivers face in Kyiv, Kharkiv or on the highway near Kremenchuk.

What we offer:

• Charging stations for different needs - from mobile options to stationary AC up to 44 kW and powerful DC up to 420 kW
• Cables and adaptersthat can be purchased through our online store - everything to charge any car, whether it's a Tesla or a hybrid like YangWang
• A convenient mobile application for iOS and Android, which allows you to check the charging status, set up tariffs or find a charging point nearby
• Map of charging stationswhich shows the points on the ECOFACTOR platform across the country - more than 3500 ports have already been connected
• A platform for operatorswhich allows you to manage the charging network, set flexible tariffs, monitor consumption and add new points
• Online shopwhere drivers can find not only chargesand all the necessary accessories for your machine

We don't just provide charging - we help make using an electric vehicle convenient and stable, no matter which model you choose. And while for the Tesla Model 3 charging is part of the daily plan, for the YangWang U8L it is important to have powerful high-speed solutions. And we have both.

We also support business clients who are interested in installing charging stations for hotels, restaurants, offices or residential complexes. We work all over Ukraine and beyond - our platform already unites operators in more than 11 countries.

If you're choosing between Tesla and YangWang, think not only about the car, but also about where and how you'll charge it. And that's where we come in - to make this experience simple.

Technical comparison: a brief summary

Which model is right for you?

Tesla Model 3

Suitable for those who:

• is looking for a proven and economical car for daily commuting - Tesla Model 3 has a sufficient range, simple design and a wide user base, which creates more confidence in operation.
• is experienced with Tesla technology or has the ability to charge the car at home - if you have your own charger or an easily accessible station, it makes life much easier.
• drives mainly in the city or on asphalt roads and does not often go beyond the limits of comfort - if the roads are mostly flat and there are few accesses without asphalt, the Model 3 will be a practical solution.

The Model 3 is a sedan that focuses on efficiency, stability and comfort in familiar conditions. It has a good range, the charging infrastructure for Tesla already exists, and service in Ukraine has already begun to develop. If you use your car on a daily basis, don't plan to go off-road often, and aren't looking for an extra-large size, this is a logical choice.

However, you should take into account:

• If the roads are uneven or the access to the cottage/village is difficult, the Model 3 may be less comfortable (stiff suspension, low ground clearance).
• If cross-country ability or the ability to travel far out of town on "less than ideal" roads are important to you, there may be restrictions.

YangWang U8L

Suitable for those who:

• is looking for a unique car with a wow effect - a large hybrid SUV with high power (1180 hp), solid dimensions and premium trim.
• plans a lot of country trips, trips outside the city, has a family and wants a spacious, multi-seater car - 2+2+2 configuration, large interior, comfortable seats in the first and second row.
• appreciates technology and large cars, is not afraid of novelty and is ready for a different level of driving - if the "usual" is not enough for you and you want to be "different".
• often encounters conditions where cross-country ability is required - uneven roads, off-road, winter, villages, driveways.

The YangWang U8L is not just an electric car, it is a large hybrid with a petrol engine, four electric motors, high ground clearance and all-wheel drive. Its size, power and equipment make it a strength where conventional sedans may be limited. If your lifestyle is not just city-work-shopping, but family-trip-travel, it makes sense.

But keep in mind:

• High price, large dimensions - such cars require more space for parking, maintenance, and can be more difficult to operate on a daily basis.
• Servicing a new brand in our country is still a challenge. Spare parts and service may be less accessible.
• If you mostly drive around the city, rarely going off the beaten track, you may be overpaying for the potential you don't use.

Conclusion.

This article is not about who is "better". It's about the difference in approach, lifestyle and daily habits. If you want a clear, economical electric train that just works, the Tesla Model 3 gives you that predictability. But if you want something more - in every sense - something that allows you to go where others can't, and do it in style, then the YangWang U8L has something to offer.

In Ukraine, we live in an environment where the road sometimes dictates what we buy, and not vice versa. That's why such nuances as ground clearance, stability on slippery surfaces, and the ability to charge not only at home are no less important than top speed or time to hundreds. Choose not the "best car in the world", but the one that will make you feel good right here and now.

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