YangWang U8 vs Tesla Y: comparing an SUV with an electric crossover

If you're looking for a modern electric car that will fit our reality - with knee-deep puddles, regular power outages and sudden weather changes - the choice between the Tesla Model Y and the YangWang U8 will definitely make you think. On the one hand, there is the proven Tesla, economical and comfortable enough for the city. On the other hand, there's BYD's hybrid giant U8, which can swim, spin in place and pull itself out of the mud on its own. Does it sound strange? But these are very real scenarios for Ukrainian roads.

In this article, we will analyse how both cars behave in real life: on the highway, in the city, off-road and in emergency situations. And most importantly, to what extent they justify their price and whether they are really suitable for Ukrainian 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.

Platform and working principle: pure electricity or a hybrid with muscles

Tesla Model Y: a familiar classic

The Tesla Model Y RWD (Juniper, 2025) is a pure electric vehicle based on the Tesla 3/Y platform. Under the hood, there is a single electric motor with a capacity of 220 kW (299 hp) and a torque of 420 N-m. This power is enough to accelerate the crossover to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, and the top speed is 201 km/h.

The battery has a nominal capacity of 64 kWh and a useful capacity of 60 kWh. It is based on CATL LFP (lithium iron phosphate) cells, with a 400 V architecture and a prismatic shape. This combination ensures durability and stable operation even in winter.

In real-world conditions, the Tesla Y shows a range of 375 km in a mixed cycle (up to 435 km in warm weather) with an average consumption of 160 Wh/km. In the city, you can expect more than 500 km, on the highway - just under 350 km.

YangWang U8: electric-hybrid special equipment

The YangWang U8 is the opposite philosophy. Under the body, there are four separate electric motors (one for each wheel) and a 2.0-litre turbo engine that acts as a generator. The power of this system reaches 1,200 hp (≈ 880 kW) and torque up to 1,280 N-m.

The 49 kWh battery allows for a range of approximately 180 km on pure electricity, and then the generator kicks in to add another 820 km of range. This means a total range of up to 1,000 km without a single stop for charging.

The IWD (Intelligent Wheel Drive) system allows you to control the traction of each wheel individually. Thanks to this, U8 can turn on the spot, drive on sand, snow, and even swim for up to 30 minutes if necessary.

This is a car designed not for perfect roads, but for all conditions: from urban flooding to dirt roads and winter crossings. Here, technology works not for comfort, but for survival - and this is the main difference with Tesla.

Dimensions: full-size SUV or medium-sized electric crossover

The difference is huge. The YangWang is an armoured bear with a premium interior, while the Tesla is a nimble urban crossover. If you often park in underground car parks, Tesla will be more convenient. But if you need to drive through a swampy area during a flood, only the U8 will do.

Passability and survival in extreme conditions

U8: floats when you need it to

A unique feature of the U8 is the emergency swimming mode. In the event of a flood or falling into deep water, the car will automatically:

• switches off the internal combustion engine
• raises the suspension
• closes all windows
• switches the ventilation to recirculation mode
• opens the hatch for emergency exit

The U8 can stay afloat for up to 30 minutes and move slowly at a speed of 3 km/h, even turning. It's not a pontoon or a boat, but it's a great solution for floods in the Kherson region or flooded areas of Kyiv.

Tesla Y: only for hard surfaces

The Model Y doesn't have any off-road ambitions. Its ground clearance and design don't allow for serious off-roading, although it will still be able to handle small country roads. But as soon as it comes to mud, flooded streets or mud, this Tesla will be forced to stop.

Comfort in the cabin and convenience when travelling

YangWang U8: almost a VIP cabin

6 screens, Nappa leather, face recognition system, 22 speakers, windscreen projection - inside the U8, it feels like you're in the cabin of a business jet. You don't even have to start the engine, just sit down and enjoy the silence.

For the rear passengers, there are two large displays, independent climate control and a split-folding armrest. The seats are heated and ventilated. The U8 is definitely not a car for "just getting there".

Tesla Y: a minimum of excess

In the Tesla cabin, everything is subordinated to one idea: nothing superfluous. One large screen controls everything from heating to navigation. At first it's surprising, but then you start to like it.

There is enough space, the boot is large, and the rear seats fold down comfortably. But you won't get the "wow" effect of the U8.

Security, sensors, auxiliary systems

YangWang U8: sees more than you do

YangWang U8 goes beyond conventional driver assistance systems. It is equipped with a high-performance Nvidia Drive Orin processor capable of 508 trillion operations per second, which is the basis for its advanced autonomous driving capabilities.

What is installed in U8:

• 3 laser LiDAR scanners for accurate construction of a three-dimensional map around the car
• 13 cameras covering all directions
• 12 ultrasonic sensors for low-speed distance control
• 5 millimetre radars that operate in difficult weather conditions
• satellite communication system for emergency situations
• thermal imager for night, fog or forest work

All this is not just marketing. U8 is capable of processing a huge amount of information in real time, detecting hazards before the driver sees them, and even reacting autonomously in critical situations.

Tesla Model Y: simple but reliable

Tesla doesn't run around the world with lasers, but it has its own proven system. The Model Y works with a set of cameras and sensors that support the proprietary Autopilot function and advanced Full Self-Driving (FSD), if activated.

What the Model Y has:

• 8 cameras for all-round visibility
• frontal radar (depending on the market)
• a set of ultrasonic sensors (up to 12 pieces in older versions)
• auto braking, lane keeping, adaptive cruise control

Tesla has deliberately abandoned LiDAR in favour of computer vision, machine learning, and constant updates via the Internet. And although the configuration is simpler, it works stably in most conditions - especially in cities and on roads with markings.

Charging speed and energy consumption

Tesla Model Y: fast, simple, predictable

Tesla Y has a classic charging architecture for modern electric vehicles. When connected to a conventional home or office charger, it is charged with an alternating current of up to 11 kW. This means a full charge overnight - in about 6-7 hours. If you use a high-speed DC station, Tesla supports up to 175 kW. In this mode, the battery is charged from 10 to 80% in about 24 minutes.

The Model Y's energy consumption is one of its strengths. In mixed mode, it consumes around 160 Wh/km, and in ideal urban conditions, it can drop to 110 Wh/km. This makes it attractive to those who count every hryvnia on charging - especially against the backdrop of rising tariffs.

YangWang U8: hybrid autonomy with a reserve

The U8 charges a little slower, up to a maximum of 110 kW at fast charging stations. Its own 49.05 kWh battery charges from 30 to 80% in about 18 minutes. But this is not the main feature: The U8 is an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV), which means an electric vehicle with a built-in generator powered by petrol. The 2.0-litre turbo engine does not turn the wheels directly, but rather powers the battery.

In dry figures, it looks like this: 180 km on a single battery charge plus up to 820 km thanks to the generator and 75-litre tank. And this is not just a reserve on paper - such a hybrid can easily cover long distances without depending on the charging infrastructure.

Yes, the U8 consumes significantly more - and this is not surprising, given its weight of almost 4 tonnes. But in exchange, you get complete independence: even if there are no charging points around, the car simply switches to power generation mode and moves on.

How ECOFACTOR helps to charge YangWang U8 and Tesla Model Y in Ukraine

At ECOFACTOR, we create an infrastructure that makes charging electric vehicles easy and affordable. Whether you own a Tesla Model Y or are planning to buy a powerful YangWang U8, you need a reliable network of stations, a user-friendly app, and high-quality accessories. That's what we're working on - to ensure that Ukrainian drivers don't have to compromise between convenience and technology.

Our charging stations

We design, develop and manufacture charging stations for any environment - from private homes to large business networks. All devices are made in Ukraine and comply with industry standards.

We offer:

• AC stations up to 44 kW: for daily use at home or at work
• DC stations up to 420 kW: for fast charging on the road or at commercial sites
• Mobile charging stationsWhen you need to have power at your fingertips
• Installation and maintenance servicesTo keep everything running smoothly

Such stations are suitable for both Tesla and hybrids such as the YangWang U8, which use a combined type of charging.

Management platform and mobile application

We have created a user-friendly operator platform that helps to manage a network of charging points, track costs and set tariffs. This is especially useful for businesses looking to optimise energy consumption or create their own charging network. For drivers, the ECOFACTOR app is available for iOS and Androidwhich allows:

• find charging stations nearby
• see map of charging stations in real time
• start or stop the charging session
• View your journey history and energy consumption
• filter stations by power or connector type

We are constantly updating the app to make it easy for users to charge their cars anywhere - from Kyiv to the Carpathians.

Online shop, cables and accessories

Through our online shop can be purchased cables, adapters and accessories for charging electric vehicles. This is useful when you have different types of cars or use several standards at the same time. 

We don't make big promises - we create solutions. From charging stations and the app to cables and accessories, everything works as a single system to help drivers stay on the move in any conditions. Our task is simple: to make charging electric vehicles in Ukraine convenient, understandable and affordable for everyone.

Which car is right for you

The Tesla Model Y is a great option for those who live in a city or suburb with stable access to charging infrastructure. If you have a charging point at home or a Tesla Supercharger nearby, and you value efficiency, a clear interface, and a trusted brand, this car will be a practical solution for everyday use. It is designed for asphalt roads, a stable rhythm of life and calm conditions.

Instead, YangWang U8 is more suitable for those who often travel outside of large cities, go to villages, on business trips to the regions, or simply do not want to depend on the number of charging stations on the route. This is a car for those who expect not only convenience but also readiness for any situation - from snow and mud to sudden floods. If you need full autonomy, high cross-country ability and a little bit of technological extreme in the cabin, the U8 may be an unusual but successful choice.

Conclusion.

These cars are not competitors, but two completely different approaches to electrification. If the Tesla Model Y is a model of an electric car for normal life, then the YangWang U8 is an electric "rescuer" ready for anything.

In my opinion, both models can find their buyers in Ukraine. The key is to understand what you expect from a car. If you want to drive from point A to point B cheaply and conveniently, take a Tesla. If you need something more versatile, for all occasions, you should look at the U8.

Frequently asked questions