Zeekr 001 vs Tesla 3: what to choose in 2025

The world of electric vehicles is no longer limited to the Tesla brand. While a few years ago, the Model 3 was the only option for those who wanted a powerful yet relatively affordable electric car, today the market offers many options. One of them is the Zeekr 001 from the Chinese concern Geely. And although the name sounds new to many, this car quickly proved that it is […]

In this article, we will analyse two models that are often compared to each other: The Zeekr 001 Performance AWD and the Tesla Model 3 (in the Standard Range Plus and newer RWD versions). We will compare them not only by numbers, but also by how they behave in real life – in the city, on the highway, and in typical 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.

Character and positioning

The Tesla Model 3 is a compact sports saloon designed with a focus on efficiency, performance and technology. Everything about it is minimalist, centred on the driving experience and intelligent software.

The Zeekr 001 takes a completely different approach. It is a business-class electric fastback, larger in size and far more comfortable. It does not set out to be a ‘people’s electric car’, but rather offers a more premium option with greater range, power and luxury in the cabin.

Essentially, the Tesla 3 is all about performance and technology, whilst the Zeekr 001 is all about power and comfort combined with a realistic range.

Power and dynamics

This is where both machines have their own character. The Zeekr 001 Performance is powered by two electric motors with a combined output of 400 kW (544 hp) and 686 Nm of torque. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes just 3.8 seconds, and the all-wheel drive system allows you to confidently stick to the road in any weather.

The Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus has only one engine and rear-wheel drive. The power output is 208 kW (283 hp), and acceleration to hundreds takes 5.6 seconds. For everyday use, this is more than enough, but if you need a real drive, Zeekr leaves Tesla behind.

The older versions of the Tesla 3 Performance have better dynamics – up to 3.1 seconds – but the price is significantly higher. The Zeekr 001, on the other hand, offers similar speed as standard.

Battery and range

This is one of the key factors for any electric car. The Zeekr 001 Performance AWD has a 94 kWh battery (nominally 100 kWh). The actual range is 480 km in the combined cycle, although it can reach 550-690 km in mild weather.

Tesla Model 3 SR+ uses a smaller battery – 51 kWh (nominally 55 kWh). Its real-world range is 350 km, and in warm conditions it can go up to 410-515 km.

That is, Zeekr offers about 30-40% more autonomy, which is especially important on long routes between Ukrainian cities, where charging stations are not yet at every turn.

Comparative table

Parameter.	Zeekr 001 Performance AWD	Tesla Model 3 SR+
Power	400 kW (544 hp)	208 kW (283 hp)
Torque	686 Nm	420 Nm
Reason.	All-wheel drive (AWD)	Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Acceleration 0–100 km/h	3.8 s	5.6 s
Battery capacity	94 kWh	51 kWh
Actual range	480 km	350 km
Maximum speed	200 km/h	225 km/h
Energy consumption	196 W/km	146 Wh/km

Charging and convenience when travelling

Zeekr supports charging up to 200 kW DC, which allows you to replenish energy from 10 to 80% in 31 minutes. At the same time, Zeekr has 22 kW AC for conventional charging stations, which is significantly faster than Tesla.

Tesla Model 3 SR+ accepts a maximum of 170 kW DC, charging from 10 to 80% in about 21-25 minutes. But the key advantage here is the Supercharger network, which is already actively developing in Ukraine. This makes the charging process easier, especially for newcomers to the world of electric cars.

What’s important:

• Zeekr supports the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, which allows you to power household appliances or even another car.
• Tesla does not have this feature.
• Zeekr has a battery preheat that is activated through navigation, which makes charging easier in winter.

ECOFACTOR: charging infrastructure for your Zeekr or Tesla in Ukraine

At ECOFACTOR, we are working to ensure that owners of electric vehicles, such as Zeekr 001 and Tesla Model 3, can conveniently charge their cars anywhere in Ukraine. Our company fully develops and manufactures charging stations in Ukraine – ranging from compact mobile units to powerful DC solutions of up to 420 kW. We provide a complete service cycle: from equipment manufacturing to maintenance, and we also offer a platform for operators and a mobile app that helps drivers quickly find a charging station at map of charging stations and track the charging process. The app is available for iOS and Androidso you can connect to the network in just a few minutes.

In addition to chargers, we have online shop with a wide range of accessories: cables and adapters for different types of connectors, RFID cards, holders and other equipment for everyday use. We are constantly expanding our range so that electric vehicle owners can find everything they need in one place – from stations to small parts.

We understand that an electric car is not just a means of transport, but part of your daily routine. That’s why ECOFACTOR creates solutions that make charging convenient and predictable. Whether you choose a Tesla for its efficiency or a Zeekr for its comfort, our infrastructure will help you stay on the move – at home, at work or on the road.

Comfort, interior and space

Here, the Chinese fastback clearly takes over. The Zeekr 001 feels bigger in every way – in size, in cabin space, in the quality of materials. Nappa leather seats, a wide central display, aluminium inserts – everything looks expensive and feels like a business class.

The Tesla 3 takes a different approach: minimalism, clean lines, practicality. The central screen controls everything, even the mirror settings. It’s convenient, but not everyone’s cup of tea. Some people describe the interior as ‘sterile’, especially after experiencing Zeekr’s warmer design.

Dimensions of Zeekr 001:

• Length – 4,955 mm
• Width – 1,999 mm
• Height – 1,560 mm
• Wheelbase – 2,999 mm

Dimensions of Tesla 3:

• Length – 4,694 mm
• Width – 1,849 mm
• Height – 1,443 mm
• Wheelbase – 2,875 mm

The Zeekr has a spacious boot – ranging from 539 to 2,144 litres – which effectively makes it an electric estate car. Tesla offers 561 litres with the rear seats up and a further 88 litres in the front boot. That’s enough for city driving, but for a long family trip, the Zeekr will be more convenient.

Technology and security

Both cars are meticulously engineered down to the last detail, but their philosophies differ.

Tesla is known for its autopilot. Even the basic version has cruise control, lane keeping, sign recognition and automatic braking. However, it only uses cameras – no LiDAR or radar.

The Zeekr 001 has the Zeekr AD system with LiDAR sensor, which makes the autopilot more accurate, especially in rain or fog. For Ukrainian roads, where markings sometimes leave much to be desired, this is a big plus.

Both cars have five-star Euro NCAP results.

• Zeekr: 89% adult safety, 88% child safety, 84% pedestrian protection
• Tesla: 96% adults, 86% children, 94% assistance systems

All in all, Tesla responds better to the driver, whilst Zeekr responds better to its surroundings.

Energy efficiency

When it comes to energy efficiency, the Tesla Model 3 remains the leader. Its main advantages are its well-balanced aerodynamics, lower weight and well-refined energy management algorithms. The Model 3’s average energy consumption is approximately 146 Wh/km, and in city driving it can be even lower – down to 120 Wh/km in a relaxed driving style. In real-world use, this means that even with a more dynamic driving style, the Tesla allows you to travel more kilometres on a single charge than most of its competitors.

The Zeekr 001 takes a different approach. Its average energy consumption is around 196 W/km, and in cold weather it can reach 220–230 Wh/km. This is partly due to its larger dimensions, a kerb weight of over 2.4 tonnes and wider wheels. At the same time, however, the Zeekr is fitted with a 94 kWh battery, which provides a greater energy reserve and means you don’t have to worry about the extra kilowatts per kilometre.

In urban conditions, the difference in charging costs between the two models is negligible. Based on average Ukrainian electricity tariffs, the difference amounts to a few hryvnias per 100 km – no more than the cost of a cup of coffee. What’s more, Zeekr cars are more often charged at home using the night-time tariff, where electricity costs half as much, so Tesla’s actual savings aren’t always noticeable in practice.

Another factor in Tesla’s favour is its efficient energy recovery systems. When braking, it skilfully recovers some of the energy back into the battery, and this is really noticeable when driving with frequent stops. The Zeekr also has a regenerative braking system, but due to its greater weight and different driving dynamics, the energy recovery is slightly lower.

To put it simply, the Tesla is designed with a focus on maximum efficiency – it consumes less energy, but also has a smaller battery. The Zeekr, on the other hand, takes a different approach: it consumes slightly more energy, but offers greater range and stability even under load. In everyday life, this difference is hardly noticeable, as both cars perform their task perfectly – transporting the driver economically without using a single drop of petrol.

Behaviour on the road

The road handling of these two electric vehicles differs so much that it feels as though they were designed for different moods. The Tesla Model 3 feels light and lively. It responds to every turn of the steering wheel instantly, almost like a sports hatchback. In town, this gives a feeling of complete control: corners are taken crisply, the accelerator pedal responds without delay, and the electric motor delivers an immediate surge of acceleration. This dynamic driving experience is addictive, especially on empty stretches of road. At the same time, the Tesla has one drawback – its stiff suspension. On smooth tarmac, it gives a feeling of stability, but as soon as you hit a bumpy stretch or cobblestones, the car starts to ‘transmit’ every bump into the cabin. On Ukrainian roads, this isn’t always pleasant, especially if you’re commuting between the city and the suburbs every day.

The Zeekr 001, by contrast, has a more composed set-up. It’s heavier, but this makes it feel more confident at high speeds. The ride is softer, the movements are smooth, and the bodywork does an excellent job of isolating the occupants from minor vibrations. Whilst the Tesla bounces over road joints, the Zeekr simply glides over them, as if it doesn’t even notice. The car seems to invite you to drive far – without rushing, but with a sense of power constantly waiting beneath your right foot. And although the Zeekr is less exhilarating in corners, its steering is precise, and its weight lends stability even at speeds exceeding 120 km/h.

Practicality for Ukraine

The choice between these two cars in Ukraine depends not only on taste, but also on realities.

Tesla has one major advantage: its well-developed network of Supercharger charging stations and the availability of after-sales service. Spare parts and support are well-established, and many independent garages are familiar with this technology.

Zeekr, although a new brand for our market, is actively gaining popularity. CCS-enabled stations are becoming more common, and the cars themselves are compatible with most public charging points in Ukraine.

Advantages of Tesla

• A common brand, easier to service
• Easy to operate

Advantages of Zeekr

• More power reserve
• Power and stability on the track
• V2L capability (power supply to external devices)

So which car should you choose?

To sum up, you could say that both cars are certainly worth considering; it’s just that they’re designed for different people and different lifestyles. The Tesla Model 3 is the choice for those looking for dynamic performance, a trusted brand and a well-established charging ecosystem. It is better suited to cities where manoeuvrability, responsiveness and ease of use are important. Its minimalist interior, regular software updates and a familiar network of charging stations make the Model 3 a reliable and practical choice for everyday driving.

The Zeekr 001, in turn, attracts those who value comfort, space and tranquillity when travelling. It is a car for long journeys when it is important to have a range, comfortable driving and power that is felt even without pressing the pedal to the floor. Its design stands out among mass models, and the quality of its finishes gives it a premium feel.

So, if you’re looking for a tried-and-tested, high-tech and comfortable electric car for city driving, the Tesla Model 3 is the logical choice. And if you want something newer, with a longer range, a softer suspension and business-class comfort, the Zeekr 001 is the option that’s a real pleasure to take on the road. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal priorities: Tesla offers efficiency and simplicity, whilst Zeekr offers power, quietness and confidence over any distance.

Frequently asked questions