GAC Aion RT vs Tesla Model 3: which is better for Ukrainian drivers

If you are seriously considering an electric car, sooner or later you will have to compare the Chinese new products with more familiar models. The Tesla Model 3 remains a recognisable benchmark, but the GAC Aion RT no longer looks like an "alternative to try". This is a full-fledged electric sedan with new technologies, modern batteries, and a price that makes you take a closer look at Chinese options.

In Ukraine, this comparison becomes even more interesting. We have our own realities: what charging points are available, how the car behaves in the city and on the highway, how important the range is in winter, and whether it makes sense to overpay for a brand. So let's take a look at the differences between the GAC Aion RT and the Tesla Model 3 and what is really important for everyday use.

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.

Appearance and dimensions: different approaches to design

GAC Aion RT: modern silhouette and emphasis on aerodynamics

The Aion RT has a velociraptor design with a rounded body and smooth lines. The car looks restrained but modern. Chinese manufacturers have long since learnt how to make cars with good aerodynamics, and this is clearly visible here. The drag coefficient of about 0.24-0.25Cd is not bad for its class. The dimensions are also noticeably larger than Tesla.

• length: 4865 mm
• width: 1875 mm
• height: 1520 mm
• wheelbase: 2775 mm

In the city and on the highway, this car feels like a full-fledged D-segment. There are hidden handles, neat air intakes and a charging port on the front wing. In general, the car looks like a modern electric sedan, without any attempts to make a "space" design.

Tesla Model 3: minimalism that has become a classic

The Model 3 has been on the market for a long time, so the design is familiar to almost every Ukrainian driver. It is more compact.

• length: 4694 mm
• width: 1849 mm
• height: 1443 mm
• wheelbase: 2875 mm

Tesla is lower and visually lighter. In the city, it seems more compact, and on the highway it is confident, but not as "heavy" as some Chinese sedans.

Space and practicality

The GAC Aion RT is noticeably more spacious, and you can feel it as soon as you get inside. Thanks to the longer body and wider seating position, the rear row is truly comfortable, even for adult passengers. Knees do not rest on the front seat backrest, and there is enough headroom to avoid feeling cramped. The doorways are wide, so it's easy to get in and out of the car, especially if passengers change frequently or the family has children. The trunk is also impressive: it is deep and wide, so it can easily accommodate suitcases, a baby carriage or a week's worth of groceries. In everyday use, you can really feel it, and many people choose Chinese sedans because of this practical approach.

Tesla Model 3 is more compact in this regard. This is not a disadvantage, but rather a different character of the car. The interior is designed quite competently: despite the smaller dimensions, even tall people behind the wheel and in the front passenger seat do not feel cramped. There is less space in the rear row than in the Aion RT, but it is enough for daily use. It all depends on who rides in the back and how often. If it is children or adults for short distances, the difference is almost imperceptible. If you regularly transport three adults, the Aion will be more comfortable.

Tesla's practicality is partially offset by its thoughtful ergonomics. The Model 3 has a smaller trunk, but there is a fridge that helps to separate things or carry something small that you don't want to mix with your main luggage. The interior itself is also minimalist, without unnecessary elements, so the impression of spaciousness is created even with physically modest dimensions.

In general, the Aion RT is better suited to those who value space and often transport passengers or things. The Tesla Model 3 looks like a rational choice for those who want a more compact but still comfortable sedan with well-thought-out ergonomics and additional niches for small items.

Interior and multimedia: different perspectives on comfort

Aion RT: a large central screen and familiar elements

In the Aion RT cabin, the driver is greeted by a combination of two screens:

• 8.88-inch instrument cluster
• 14.6-inch centre display

The ADiGO 5.0 platform is fast, modern and has a tablet-like interface. It doesn't try to be revolutionary, but it gives you access to all the standard functions.

The console has a multi-level design, wireless charging and an 11-speaker audio system with a subwoofer.

This is an interior that is easily perceived by a Ukrainian driver: nothing superfluous, familiar elements, logical arrangement of blocks.

Tesla Model 3: minimalism to the max

In the Model 3, all information is displayed on one central screen. There is no dashboard in front of the driver, which can sometimes feel uncomfortable. Many functions are hidden in menus, even simple climate or mirror settings.

The advantage is that Tesla offers one of the best infotainment experiences on the market, with regular updates and fast performance.

Batteries and range: Chinese LFP vs Tesla's NCA

Aion RT: two battery options

The car received CATL lithium-iron-phosphate batteries:

• 55.1 kWh per 520 km CLTC
• 68.1 kWh per 650 km CLTC

LFP batteries can withstand many charging cycles, are less sensitive to heat, and are suitable for daily fast charging.

Tesla Model 3 SR+: LFP by CATL

In 2021, this version of the Model 3 was predominantly equipped with an LFP battery from CATL:

• 60 kWh rated capacity

Differences in actual use in Ukraine

In mild weather, the Aion RT with a larger battery can provide 330 to 450 km of real-world driving range. The Tesla Model 3 gives approximately 300-370 km, depending on the mode and temperature.

In the cold, the situation changes. Tesla's NCA behaves well while the pre-preparation works, but losses in the range of 20-30 percent are real. The Aion RT with LFP also loses momentum, but newer generations of LFP have become better at handling the cold than earlier Chinese models.

Charging: who has the real advantage?

Fast charging of the Aion RT

The car received a 400V architecture with 3C charging on silicon carbide:

• 30-80% in 30 minutes

This is a decent result for the middle class.

Tesla Model 3 SR+: Supercharger is still faster

At fast stations:

• 10-80% in 21 minutes
• up to 170 kW of peak power

The average charging speed is 100-105 kW.

Tesla has better efficiency, so even a smaller battery charges quickly and gives more kilometres per minute.

Conditions in Ukraine

The advantage of the Model 3 is only felt where there is a Supercharger or other powerful networks. In our country, this is still a limited resource, so the difference is not critical.

How we at ECOFACTOR support GAC Aion RT and Tesla Model 3 owners in Ukraine

At ECOFACTOR, we have been working with Ukrainian drivers for a long time, so we understand that choosing an electric vehicle is only the first step. After the purchase, the daily routine begins: where to charge, how to control costs, what cables and adapters are needed, and what to do if the route suddenly changes. That's why we are building not just a network of charging stations, but a complete ecosystem for the comfortable use of electric cars of various brands, including GAC Aion RT and Tesla Model 3. 

Ours stations operate across the country, and their number is growing thanks to our own production of AC and DC equipment. We create stations from scratch, from design to launch, so we can respond quickly to market needs.

We are also developing online shopwhere you can buy charging stations for home or business, as well as accessories, cables and adaptersWe offer a range of products that are suitable for both standard socket solutions and professional installations. If you have an unexpected question about the selection of equipment, we help you determine the best option and explain how everything works in real life, without technical terms and unnecessary complexity.

For everyday use, we have created the ECOFACTOR EV Charging app for iOS and Android. It allows you to view map of charging stationsIt allows you to find a free point, control charging costs and monitor the status of the session. For those who are choosing between the GAC Aion RT and the Tesla Model 3, this approach helps them to quickly understand how the car will fit into their daily routes. 

We see how different models behave in Ukrainian conditions, and therefore strive to make the charging infrastructure understandable and accessible to everyone who switches to electric transport.

Dynamics and behaviour on the road

GAC Aion RT

Two versions of the electric motor:

• 150 kW (201 hp)
• 165 kW (221 hp)

The acceleration is not record-breaking, but it is sufficient for comfortable overtaking and driving on the road. The advantage is in the smoothness, quietness and compact operation of the suspension. The car doesn't try to be a sports car, but it handles well in the bends.

Tesla Model 3 SR+

Model 3 is faster:

• 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds

The Tesla's suspension is stiffer, and you can feel it on tiles or bad roads. But in terms of handling, it's much more pleasant and precise than most Chinese sedans.

If you like the feeling of lightness and quick response, Tesla is your car. If you value softness and calmness, Aion RT is the car for you.

Driving assistants and autonomy

Aion RT: strong focus on the next generation of autonomy

The Aion RT places a significant emphasis on next-generation autonomous capabilities. The car has a 126-line LiDAR and a powerful Nvidia Orin-X computing module, which provides a significant performance margin for complex road scenarios. Together with the no-map NDA system, this allows the car to navigate not only on a map or markings, but also in the real environment. 

This approach is especially useful on Ukrainian roads, where markings are often erased or present only in places. Aion RT is able to work where there is little information, and this makes its behaviour more predictable in difficult conditions.

Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model 3 traditionally relies on cameras and proprietary computer vision algorithms. In the city, the system works confidently, especially when there is a clear infrastructure. However, on roads without clear markings or in the dark, autonomous functions may be less stable. 

At the same time, Tesla has a significant advantage in the form of many years of statistics and millions of kilometres travelled, which allows it to gradually improve the system through software updates. However, the lack of LiDAR in some situations still creates certain limitations, and this is noticeable on difficult Ukrainian routes.

Service and availability of spare parts in Ukraine

Aion RT: a new model, but not a new problem

Despite the fact that the Aion RT has only recently appeared, the service situation in Ukraine looks quite optimistic. The market for Chinese electric vehicles has already been formed, and companies that service them have been operating for many years. Spare parts are brought directly from China, and waiting times are quite reasonable in most cases.

It is especially important that Aion RT uses standard solutions that are familiar to nail technicians:

• power electronics without exotic components
• common electric motors
• LFP type battery, which does not need to be "protected" as batteries of other chemicals

The LFP in this car has its advantages. Such a battery can be charged to 100 per cent every day, it is not afraid of frequent fast charges and is less likely to overheat. This automatically reduces the risk of expensive repairs and makes the car more predictable in operation.

A little observation

Many owners of Chinese electric cars in Ukraine notice that maintenance is usually limited to the chassis, braking system and checking the electronics. With Aion RT, it will be much the same. The car is not difficult to repair, so the fears that "there is nothing for it" are outdated.

Tesla Model 3: established market and service experience

The situation with Tesla has been stable for a long time. Independent service centres work with Model 3 almost as often as with popular European cars. Many of the technicians specialise in Tesla, so even the most difficult jobs are completed quickly. The benefits are tangible:

• Spare parts are available from several major suppliers
• masters have real experience, not theoretical knowledge
• most typical repairs are carried out without ordering parts from abroad

In this respect, Tesla has long ceased to be an "exotic". On the contrary, it has become one of the most predictable electric vehicle platforms for service.

Where every car is stronger

Advantages of GAC Aion RT

• greater power reserve
• modern LFP batteries
• comfortable interior
• LiDAR and NDA
• more space

Advantages of the Tesla Model 3

• better dynamics
• faster charging
• stable software updates
• higher efficiency
• a proven brand

Conclusion.

Aion RT is about practicality, space, a large range and modern sensors. The Tesla Model 3 is about dynamics, sophisticated algorithms, updates, and recognition. If autonomous technologies and a range without overpayments are important to you, it's better to look towards the Aion RT. If you want sharper steering, faster charging, and a more stable ecosystem, the Tesla Model 3 is still one of the best options.

In 2025, Ukrainian drivers will no longer be limited in their choices. And that's a good thing. After all, the best electric car is the one that suits your lifestyle, your routes and your expectations.

Frequently asked questions and answers