Zeekr X vs Tesla Model 3: which is better suited for Ukrainian roads?

The electric vehicle market in Ukraine has long ceased to be exotic. Tesla is not just a household name - it's on the roads, in yards, at charging points, on TikTok and OLX. But new players are increasingly appearing alongside it. One of them is the Chinese Zeekr, a subsidiary brand of the Geely Group. Its Zeekr X model looks unusual, charges quickly, has interesting features, and, importantly, is already being actively imported into our market.

So which is better - the proven Tesla Model 3 or the new Zeekr X? If you are seriously considering an electric car in the budget of up to $50,000, this article is for you. Without further ado, only the important things: charging, range, interior space, suspension, acceleration, technology, and convenience in real-world conditions.

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.

Sedan or crossover: the difference is immediately apparent

Let's start with the basics: the shape of the body.

The Tesla Model 3 is a typical sedan. It is aerodynamic, low, and slightly "flattened", especially against the background of crossovers, which have been replacing everyone in recent years. Its length is almost 4.7 m, it sits low, has a sharp profile and a minimalist silhouette. The trunk has more than 500 litres of space, plus additional space in the front compartment (frunk), where you can easily fit a backpack, cable or even a spare tire.

Zeekr X is more compact, but looks more massive. It's narrower but taller, with a ground clearance of 170 mm compared to 138 in the Tesla. And you can really feel it when you drive on a dirt road, drive up to a high curb, or when winter throws a surprise in the form of frozen icicle snow under the wheels.

Zeekr's seating position is also higher - you get in, not out, like Tesla. This is a plus if you often get in and out of the car, or if you drive with children - you bend down less, and it's easier to fasten a child seat.

A small conclusion:

• Do you like the feel of a coupe and precise handling? Tesla Model 3.
• Want a higher ride height, more headroom and confidence on less-than-ideal roads? Zeekr X.

Dimensions and space

Dimensions are not just about the size on paper. They affect convenience in the city, manoeuvrability in car parks, feel at speed and even the amount of space available in the cabin.

The Tesla Model 3 is 4694 mm long, 1849 mm wide (with 2088 mm mirrors) and 1443 mm high. The wheelbase is 2875 mm. It is longer, lower, and narrower than the Zeekr X, which means better aerodynamics, but lower ground clearance (only 138 mm), which can sometimes be a problem on Ukrainian curbs or broken garage entrances.

Zeekr X is 4432 mm long, 1836 mm wide (2029 mm with mirrors), 1566 mm high and has a wheelbase of 2750 mm. The ground clearance is 170 mm, which significantly improves cross-country ability, especially in winter or in conditions where you often have to "jump" over people lying down or pits. The compact length makes parking in the city a little easier, although the width is felt when manoeuvring in narrow courtyards.

Trunk space: what should you choose if you often carry something?

The question of practicality often comes down not only to consumption or range, but also to the banal question of storage space - where to put things. Here, the Tesla Model 3 has a distinct advantage: 561 litres of main boot space plus an additional 88 litres in the front luggage compartment (frunk). That's almost 650 litres in total - more than many mid-size crossovers. Everything fits in without any tambourine dancing: large suitcases, a pushchair, boxes of household appliances or even bicycles with the wheels removed.

The Zeekr X has a more modest boot volume of 362 litres. It is visually taller, but not as deep. And although this is enough for everyday use - a bag, packages from the store, a couple of backpacks - in cases where you need to transport something large, you will have to think about it or fold down the rear seat backs. Zeekr X doesn't have a frunk, so you won't get any extra space in the front.

However, it is worth considering that the rear seats in the Zeekr are significantly more spacious, so if your passengers are more important than your cargo, the crossover seems like a more logical choice. But if you often have to transport something - whether it's trips to the country, moving, or the habit of taking half your house with you even on a short trip - Tesla is clearly more practical. It doesn't look like a roomy car, but inside it is a very rationally organised space that is easy to use.

As a result, if the priority is cargo, the choice is obvious. If you're mostly carrying yourself and a couple of bags, the Zeekr will do the job without any problems.

Power reserve and winter: how far and on what

In an average cycle, these two electric vehicles show completely different results:

• Tesla Model 3 gives about 350 km in the average cycle
• Zeekr X - approximately 270 km in similar conditions

These two models are essentially in different categories in terms of efficiency. The main reason is simple: Tesla achieves its range with a 51 kWh battery, while Zeekr has a smaller 49 kWh battery. That is, Tesla consumes less energy per kilometre, and this is clearly visible during frequent trips around the city or on the highway.

In cold weather, the situation changes slightly. The Zeekr X has a heat pump and efficient pre-conditioning, so it retains a better range when temperatures drop below freezing. At -10°C, it can drive about 230 km. The Tesla Model 3 in the same conditions retains about 290 km, and here again its energy efficiency gives it an advantage. 

For daily use, both models comfortably fit within their real-world range, especially if you charge the car at home. But if you regularly drive long distances or don't want to constantly think about recharging in winter conditions, the Tesla is significantly more practical due to its more stable range.

Charging: where Zeekr wins and where Tesla wins

It all depends on where and how you usually charge your car.

Everyday AC charging (at home or at work)

• Zeekr X supports charging up to 11 kW, so if you have a three-phase charging station, the battery will be full in less than 5.5 hours.
• Tesla Model 3 is also limited to 11 kW, so a full cycle also takes 5.5 hours.

Fast DC charging (on the road)

• Tesla: up to 170 kW, average time 10-80% - 21 min
• Zeekr: up to 130 kW, 10-80% - 31 min

In reality, the difference is a few minutes, and it almost disappears if you use stations with an average power of 100-120 kW. Zeekr has a stable charge curve, which means that it keeps high numbers longer.

Tesla supports Autocharge and Supercharger, but these technologies are not yet developed in Ukraine, which limits its advantages in infrastructure. Zeekr has a V2L function, which means you can connect a coffee maker, laptop, or scooter to the car directly from the outlet.

ECOFACTOR - charging infrastructure for those who already drive an electric car

We, the ECOFACTOR team, are working to ensure that an electric car in Ukraine is not only a convenient, but also a truly practical choice. While you are weighing up which is better for you - Tesla Model 3 or Zeekr X - we make sure that both of these cars have a place to charge quickly, both at home and on the road.

What we offer:

• Charging stations of our own production - AC up to 44 kW and DC up to 420 kW. We will find solutions for both business and private needs.
• Mobile charging stations - for those who want to remain autonomous regardless of the route.
• Online shop with accessories, cables and adapters - everything you need to charge any modern electric vehicle, including Zeekr or Tesla.
• A modern mobile application on iOS and Androidto see map of charging stations, track your charging sessions and manage your account.
• A platform for operators - if you want to manage your charging system, not just use it. The platform allows for flexible network management, energy consumption monitoring and tariff setting.

Zeekr X supports V2L and fast AC charging up to 11 kW - we have such stations. The Tesla Model 3 has its own vision of the charging ecosystem - we adapt to both approaches. Ours are not just universal connectors, but full integration with your driving experience. It doesn't matter whether you have a compact sedan or an urban crossover.

Convenient charging is not just about kilowatts. It's about reliability, a clear interface, the right cable at hand and the ability to control it all from your mobile. This is exactly what we provide.

Interior and technology: different approaches

In the cabin, these two differ radically.

Tesla

• Everything is on the large 15-inch screen: speed, climate, mirrors - all in one interface.
• Minimal buttons, maximum cleanliness.
• No CarPlay or Android Auto - only Tesla's own ecosystem.
• There are heated seats, steering wheel, multi-zone climate.

Zeekr

• The display is also large - 14.6 inches, but part of the control is left to the physical buttons.
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support right out of the box.
• 360° cameras, adaptive cruise, mobile app with remote control.
• There is no heated steering wheel in the base - you need to check the equipment.

Tesla takes some getting used to, but fans appreciate it for its simplicity and clean UX. Zeekr offers more of the usual features right off the bat, especially for Android users.

Safety: official tests and real-world assistance systems

Both models have passed Euro NCAP crash tests and received a 5-star rating, which is good. But there are nuances.

The Tesla Model 3 was tested in 2019. Then it gained:

• 96% for the protection of adult passengers
• 86% for the protection of children
• 74% for pedestrian safety
• 94% for electronic security systems

It is worth admitting that these were very high figures at the time. Tesla was recognised for the effectiveness of auto-braking, adaptive cruise and lane-keeping assistance. But the 2019 testing standard was a little more lenient than it is today.

The Zeekr X was tested by Euro NCAP in 2024, using a new, more rigorous methodology. Its results:

• 91% for the protection of adults
• 90% for the protection of children
• 84% for safety for vulnerable road users
• 83% for the work of assistants

What does this mean in practice? Zeekr has more up-to-date sensors, better pedestrian and cyclist recognition, and more advanced driver assistance algorithms. It has 360° cameras, adaptive cruise, marking tracking, blind spot monitoring - all of this is already available in basic or mid-range models. Tesla also has all of this, but it is partly limited by geography and updates (for example, not all versions of autopilot work equally in Ukraine).

Both models are safe. But Zeekr has the advantage of modernity, Tesla has the advantage of sophisticated software. If the latest electronics are critical to you, go for Zeekr. If you trust the proven performance of the systems, go for Tesla.

Road behaviour and comfort

Comfort and road behaviour in these two models are almost opposite approaches. The Tesla Model 3 has a low centre of gravity, which is immediately felt during fast cornering. The steering wheel is quite sharp and responsive, and the suspension is stiff. On the highway, this gives a sense of control and drive, but in the city, especially on our potholes and patches, it can seem too "tiring". It takes 5.6 seconds to get to 100 km/h, and that's really fast, but even here Tesla delivers it dryly and without too much emotion - it just does its job.

The Zeekr X feels different. It's softer in every way: the smoother suspension copes better with our roads, the cabin is quieter, and the noise from the street is muffled. It accelerates to hundreds in 5.9 seconds, and the dynamics are delivered softer, less aggressively. Due to the higher ride height, there is a little more sway at high speed, but this is not critical. Rather, it's a feature that you notice only after transferring from a Tesla.

To put it simply: Model 3 is better suited for those who like to drive, who like the car's precise response and the "hard" truth of the road under their wheels. The Zeekr will be more suitable for those who drive every day, value comfort and peace of mind, and don't want to feel every pothole with their back.

Conclusion: what to choose - Zeekr X or Tesla Model 3?

The choice between Zeekr X and Tesla Model 3 is not about which one is better on paper. It's about what's best for you. Tesla is an electric car that has already become a symbol. It is efficient, discreet, fast, and ideal for those who value dynamics and are used to being in control. If precise handling, minimalist interior and brand reputation are important to you, the Model 3 completely covers these issues.

Zeekr X, in turn, is about a fresh look. It is more convenient for the city, handles better on bad roads, has more modern features out of the box, and simply creates a slightly different mood. It's not an alternative to Tesla, but a different philosophy - closer to those who value comfort and space over "proper" behaviour on bends.

So be honest about your choice. If you plan to travel frequently, want to save money and are not looking for novelty, then Tesla is the way to go. If you want something a little higher, softer, more comfortable and technologically advanced, Zeekr will give you that experience. The Ukrainian electric vehicle market has matured just as such choices became real.

Frequently asked questions about Zeekr X and Tesla Model 3