Wuling Bingo Plus vs Tesla Model 3: what you should know before choosing

Choosing an electric car in Ukraine has long ceased to be something unusual. The infrastructure has grown, and most drivers are more or less on the same page with charging and understand the difference between AC and DC. But with the growth of choice comes another problem: there are many models on the market, and sometimes it's hard to understand what is best suited to our realities.

In this article, we compare two very different cars that Ukrainians are actively discussing: The Wuling Bingo Plus, an affordable compact electric crossover from China, and the Tesla Model 3, one of the world's most famous electric sedans. This is not a battle of who is better, but an analysis of two approaches: a budget city electric car versus a more expensive, faster, and more technologically advanced model from the premium segment.

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.

Wuling Bingo Plus and Tesla Model 3: two different worlds

These two machines are not just from different segments. They come from two different logics.

Wuling Bingo Plus was created as an affordable electric car for the city. Compact, economical, easy to use, with low charging costs. This is a model for those who need practical transport for everyday use: work, shopping, trips around the city and a little out of town. For the money, it offers a fair set of functions, a good range and a rather pleasant interior.

The Tesla Model 3 is another level. Higher speed, more power, better dynamics, more sophisticated systems and supercharger infrastructure (which is partially available in Ukraine). This is a car that is bought not only for the sake of rationality, but also for the sake of sensations. The Model 3 feels like a "real Tesla", even if it is the base version.

To make a fair comparison, it is important not to put these machines in the same row as competitors. They are chosen by different people, and each model has strengths.

Design and dimensions: compact versus saloon

Appearance of Wuling Bingo Plus

Bingo Plus has a simple, even minimalist design. Rounded headlights, a closed front end, calm body lines. It's an easily recognisable car, but it doesn't try to look more expensive than it is. Its silhouette is closer to a compact city crossover, although it is sometimes called a hatchback.

Dimensions of Wuling Bingo Plus

• length: 4090 mm
• width: 1720 mm
• height: 1575 mm
• wheelbase: 2610 mm

This is an ideal format for the city: short length, good height, and easy parking. The car manoeuvres easily in narrow courtyards and does not make the driver nervous when parallel parking.

Exterior of the Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model 3 is definitely a saloon. Sporty stance, low profile, recognisable front end without a grille, minimal details. The design is restrained but modern. Even if this car is several years old, it still looks relevant.

Dimensions of the Tesla Model 3

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

The Model 3 is much larger. This is noticeable not only in the cabin but also in use. In the city, it's harder to adapt to the length, but you get the hang of it quickly.

Interior and comfort: expectations vs reality

The inside of Wuling Bingo Plus

Wuling is a pleasant surprise. Despite the budget segment, the interior looks modern. There are soft materials, a large dashboard, and several shades depending on the equipment.

Interior features:

• 10.1-inch touchscreen with LingOS system
• 8.8-inch instrument cluster
• comfortable seats
• many niches: up to 23 compartments for storing small items
• good space in the rear

Five adults will be cramped, but there is more than enough space for city trips.

Tesla Model 3 from the inside

The Tesla interior is minimalism in all its glory. One large central display, an almost disappearing dashboard, and a very low seat line. Advantages:

• quality materials
• large luggage compartment and additional cargo area
• spacious interior
• very comfortable seats

Drivers admit that the Model 3 feels like a car designed for long journeys. There's more space than meets the eye.

Specifications: power, battery, range

To make a fair comparison, it is important to look at what each model is designed for.

Power

• Wuling Bingo Plus: 75 kW, 102 hp, 180 Nm
• Tesla Model 3 SR+: ≈208 kW, 283 hp, 420 Nm

The difference is enormous. Tesla is many times faster. This is not a disadvantage of the Wuling, because it did not try to be sporty.

Dynamics

• Wuling: 0-50 km/h in 3.7 s
• Tesla: 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds

The Wuling starts quickly in the city, while the Tesla accelerates faster on the highway.

Battery and range

Wuling Bingo Plus

• 37.9 kWh (≈401 km CLTC)
• 50.6 kWh (≈510 km CLTC)

Tesla Model 3

• 51 kWh of usable capacity
• real range of 350 km
• in the city in summer, it can be up to 500+ km

Tesla's figures are closer to real life, because CLTC always gives inflated figures. However, Wuling is very economical in the city and can actually go 300+ km.

Charging and long journeys: who is more durable

Fast charging

• Wuling Bingo Plus: 30-80% in approx. 30 min
• Tesla Model 3: 10-80% in 21 min

Tesla charges faster because it supports up to 170 kW of charging power.

AC charging

• Wuling: up to 6.6 kW
• Teslaup to 11 kW

Tesla charges twice as fast at home.

Long-distance travel

Tesla is built for the highway. Even the basic Model 3 has a 1-Stop Range of 421 km, allowing you to go far with minimal stops.

Wuling is designed for the city. It will go on the highway, but the charging speed and range are not as comfortable for trips of 400-500 km.

ECOFACTOR: charging infrastructure that helps you make an informed choice about your electric car

When we talk about the choice between Wuling Bingo Plus and Tesla Model 3, it's important to look beyond the characteristics of the cars themselves. An equally important part of this story is how the electric car lives in your daily schedule: where you charge, how you plan your routes, whether it is convenient for you to recharge the battery at home or at work. That's why we at ECOFACTOR are working to make it easier for Ukrainian drivers to switch to electric vehicles and use them effortlessly on a daily basis.

We are creating a complete ecosystem for electric vehicles in Ukraine. These are. charging stations own production, an online store, a charging network management platform for business and a mobile application with a map of charging stations. All equipment is designed and manufactured in Ukraine, and the network is constantly growing.

What we offer drivers

Charging stations for different scenarios

We produce three main types of charging stations:

• mobile stationsconvenient to take with you or use at home
• AC stations up to 44 kW for everyday needs
• DC stations up to 420 kW for fast charging on the road

The devices are designed in accordance with industry standards and are suitable for both private use and business. All stations are designed and assembled in Ukraine.

Online store of accessories

In addition to the stations, we are developing online shop, where you can find it:

• cables and adapters for different types of connectors
• adapters
• RFID cards
• Holders, brackets and other accessories that facilitate daily operation

This helps drivers to avoid searching for components from different sources and have everything they need for charging at once.

Mobile application and map of charging stations

Our app for iOS and Android is designed to make charging as easy as refuelling. You can:

• view map of charging stations
• find the nearest points
• check the status of ports
• calculate the cost and start charging

The app also unites drivers in a community that already has more than 200,000 users.

Solutions for business

We understand that electric vehicles are not only about personal use, but also about how businesses implement charging infrastructure. That's why we offer comprehensive solutions for businesses, hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, residential complexes and anyone who wants to install charging stations on their premises.

Our charging stations and accessories are suitable for both categories of drivers. We support the standards used by both Wuling and Tesla, so the issue of compatibility or searching for cables and adapters often goes away. A mobile application with a map of stations helps you not to guess where the next charging point will be and plan your trips with confidence.

Practicality in the city and everyday use

If you look at it from the point of view of everyday life in Ukrainian cities, Wuling Bingo Plus looks like a very logical option. It is compact, convenient in narrow courtyards, does not cause unnecessary hassle in tight parking lots and consumes minimal electricity. The car moves quietly, responds easily to the steering wheel and does not force the driver to think about small manoeuvres. In Kyiv or Lviv, such compactness is often more valuable than additional power. This format is almost perfect for daily trips in the style of "home to work to shop".

The Tesla Model 3 also feels good in the city, but in its own way. It's a noticeably larger saloon with a spacious interior and pleasant handling. On mixed routes with both city and suburbs, the Model 3 gives you a sense of stability and range. It's dynamic, easy to pick up speed and confident on the road. But these advantages come at a price. In the city, the car takes up more space, requires more careful parking, consumes more electricity, and the suspension sometimes feels a little stiff on our roads.

To summarise, Wuling is more about simplicity and convenience in daily commuting, while Tesla is suitable for those who often go out of town or appreciate the feeling of dynamism even on short routes.

Safety and equipment

Wuling Bingo Plus

Wuling approaches safety from the practical side. There is no excess of electronics, but everything you need for everyday city use.

• 4 pillows: This is standard equipment for the affordable segment. The front airbags cover basic collision scenarios and provide protection for the driver and front passenger.
• ESC (stability control system): It helps to control the car in difficult situations, especially on slippery roads or during sharp manoeuvres. In the city, where traffic is often unpredictable, this system is a real help.
• ABS: The anti-lock braking system reduces the risk of loss of control during emergency stops. Useful both in the city and on country roads.
• Autohold: A handy feature for traffic lights and congestion. The car holds the brake after it has come to a complete stop, so the driver does not have to constantly press the pedal.
• High-strength steel 74.8%: The body frame is made from a high proportion of high-strength steels. This increases the rigidity of the structure and protects passengers in the event of an impact. For a budget electric car, this approach looks quite impressive.

Overall, Wuling has a basic but high-quality set of systems. It does not claim to be premium, but it provides the level of protection you expect in the city.

Tesla Model 3

Tesla has a different focus. Here, safety is not just a separate characteristic, but part of the brand's philosophy. Therefore, the equipment is much wider.

• 5 stars Euro NCAP: The Model 3 scored highly in all categories: adult, child, pedestrian and assistant protection. This is one of the best results among electric vehicles in its class.
• 8 pillows: The protection covers not only the front seats but also the side areas. The airbags operate in the event of a frontal impact as well as in side impacts, making the cabin much safer.
• Auxiliary systems: Tesla is equipped with a set of assistants that expand the driver's capabilities: lane control, adaptive technologies, and traffic monitoring. Even without the autopilot activated, the electronics provide a safety net in difficult moments.
• Active security at a high level: Sensors, cameras, data processing and software algorithms work together. The car itself warns you if a collision is imminent and is able to mitigate the consequences of critical situations.

As a result, Tesla creates a sense of safety that is noticeable even on ordinary journeys. This is a car in which electronics work not instead of the driver, but together with him.

Cost of ownership

When it comes to costs, it largely depends on what you're buying an electric car for and how you plan to use it. When looking at the initial purchase and subsequent maintenance, the Wuling Bingo Plus looks significantly more affordable. It is cheaper to purchase, less demanding on the charging infrastructure, and consumes a small amount of electricity, so the cost of travelling is minimal. Maintenance of this model is also easier, and spare parts and possible minor repairs are usually cheaper.

In the case of Tesla Model 3, the situation is the opposite. The car itself is more expensive, charging will cost more, and maintenance requires more attention and often specialised workshops. Insurance is also significantly more expensive due to the price of the car and the complexity of its electronics. At the same time, Tesla has an advantage that is felt only over time: these models lose value more slowly on the secondary market, so even after a few years they sell for much more than most other electric cars in this segment.

As a result, Wuling seems to be a more rational choice for those who want to minimise costs, while Tesla is suitable for drivers who are willing to invest more but expect higher liquidity and resale stability.

Summary table: Wuling Bingo Plus vs Tesla Model 3

Conclusion.

Comparing Wuling Bingo Plus and Tesla Model 3, it is easy to see that these models are designed for different tasks and different drivers. Wuling is suitable for those who want an inexpensive, convenient and economical electric car for their daily city routine. It is easy to drive, compact and does not require high maintenance costs. For many Ukrainian cities, it can be an even more practical choice than larger or more expensive models.

The Tesla Model 3, on the other hand, feels like a car for people who spend a lot of time behind the wheel and want more than just getting from point A to point B. It has dynamics, comfort on the road, and well-thought-out safety systems. It's more expensive in every way, but it also gives it back with a sense of stability and power that no other budget electric car can give you.

In the end, the choice between these models comes down to a simple question: what is more important to you right now. If you're looking for the most affordable option for the city that doesn't create unnecessary costs, the Wuling Bingo Plus is a wise decision. If you want more confidence in long-distance travel and modern capabilities, then the Tesla Model 3 remains a natural step forward.

Frequently asked questions