Zeekr 001 vs Tesla Y: what you should know before choosing an electric car in 2025

The world of electric vehicles is changing so rapidly that every new year brings several models that seemed unattainable just yesterday. Tesla has long been a symbol of the transition to electric power, and its Model Y is the best-selling electric car in the world. But the American giant is facing strong competitors from China, including NIO, whose ET5 Touring wagon has become one of the most […]

Tesla Model Y, in turn, is well known to our drivers. It can be found in Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, or Odesa, and the charging infrastructure for Tesla in Ukraine is growing every month. So the question is simple: if you have to choose between the Zeekr 001 and the Tesla Y in 2025, who really deserves a place in your garage?

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.

Design and first impression

Although appearance is a matter of taste, both models approach it from completely different angles.

Tesla Model Y has remained true to its minimalist approach. It is a crossover with smooth lines, a rounded body shape and a recognisable silhouette without any frills. The car looks modern but familiar – without surprises, but with confidence. Its design says: “I am functional and time-tested”.

Zeekr 001, on the other hand, plays on emotions. It is an electric liftback with sporty features and a station wagon look that is a mixture of speed and comfort. Its proportions are reminiscent of a cross between a Porsche Taycan and an Audi A7, but it has its own face. The front headlights are narrow, the lines are sharp, and the dynamic accentuated rear end creates a sense of movement even when stationary.

Interior and feel inside

Tesla traditionally offers a minimalist interior. In the Model Y, almost all controls are concentrated on a large 15-inch screen in the centre. There is no dashboard, and there are a minimum of physical buttons. This is an approach that has its supporters and opponents. Some people find it convenient and modern, while others think that sometimes there are not enough regular buttons, especially when driving.

The Zeekr 001 focuses on something else – comfort and technology. It features a digital instrument panel, a large central display and an ergonomic steering wheel with physical controls. The seats are soft and upholstered in high-quality materials, and even the ambient lighting has been thoughtfully designed to emphasise the premium feel. Everything has been crafted with a keen eye for detail, reminiscent of the approach taken by German brands.

Zeekr feels more relaxed inside. The Tesla is more like a technological gadget, while the Zeekr is a car for those who love silence, comfort and thoughtful ergonomics.

Dimensions and space

For Ukrainian families, space in the cabin and trunk is not the last argument.

The Tesla Model Y is 4797 mm long, 1982 mm wide and has a wheelbase of 2890 mm. This is a mid-size crossover with a large boot – 835 litres in the rear plus 117 litres in the front. This is more than enough space for trips to the country or travelling.

The Zeekr 001 is larger in almost all respects: length 4955 mm, width 1999 mm, wheelbase 2999 mm. This size allows for an impressively spacious interior, especially in the rear row. And when the rear seats are folded down, the boot volume reaches 2,144 litres – almost like a small van.

So, if you need a car for a family with children or for long trips, Zeekr is a clear winner.

Technical specifications and capacity

Under the hood (or rather, under the floor), both cars have electric motors, but different philosophies.

The Tesla Model Y Standard RWD is a rear-wheel-drive version with a single 200 kW (272 hp) motor. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. Its top speed is 201 km/h. The car is designed for stable, economical driving, not for racing.

The Zeekr 001 Performance AWD has two electric motors and all-wheel drive. Together, they produce 400 kW (544 hp) and allow the car to accelerate to hundreds in 3.8 seconds. This is the level of a sports car that can surprise even those who are used to powerful internal combustion engines. The top speed is 200 km/h, which is practically the same, but the acceleration is completely different.

Battery and range

In real-world conditions, it is the range that often makes the difference.

• Tesla Model Y uses a 60 kWh (LFP) battery, which provides a realistic range of about 380 km. In warm weather, the range is up to 440 km, and in cold weather, it is approximately 315 km.
• Zeekr 001 Performance is equipped with a 94 kWh battery (CATL Qilin), and its real range is about 480 km, and in ideal conditions – up to 550 km.

It turns out that Zeekr has a bigger battery and, accordingly, a longer range, but its energy consumption is higher – about 196 Watt-hours/km versus 158 Watt-hours/km for Tesla.

What it looks like in practice

• The journey from Kyiv to Lviv (approximately 540 km):
  • Tesla Y needs one quick stop for charging.
  • Zeekr 001 will run without recharging if you drive calmly.
    
• In the city, Zeekr has a reserve that gives you peace of mind for several days, but the Tesla with an LFP battery is easier to charge to 100% without compromising its resource.

Charging: speed and convenience

Tesla has a huge advantage in the form of its own Supercharger network, but in Ukraine it is not yet as extensive as in Europe.

Tesla Model Y

• Maximum power output for fast charging – 175 kW (up to 110 kW on average).
• It takes about 24 minutes to charge the 10-80%.
• AC charging – up to 11 kW, full charge in 6.5 hours.

Zeekr 001

• It supports up to 200 kW DC (average power – 135 kW).
• It takes approximately 31 minutes to charge the 10-80%.
• AC charging – up to 22 kW, which is twice as fast as Tesla’s at home or at commercial charging stations.

Zeekr also has a V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) function, which allows you to power external devices, such as power tools or a coffee maker, while camping. Tesla does not have this.

ECOFACTOR: charging infrastructure driving electromobility in Ukraine

At ECOFACTOR, we are working to make electric mobility in Ukraine an affordable, simple and real part of everyday life. If you are planning to buy a BYD Seagull or already drive an electric car, it is the infrastructure and digital tools that are crucial to how convenient it is to use it. charging stations, a network management platform, mobile application and online shop with all the necessary equipment. We don’t just manufacture the stations, we develop them entirely in Ukraine, from engineering to software, so that they meet the real conditions of our roads and climate.

We offer various charging station formats – from mobile and AC models up to 44 kW to powerful DC stations up to 420 kW. Each of them can operate as part of a private or commercial network, which is convenient for businesses, shopping centres, residential complexes or owners of small fleets of electric vehicles. For drivers, the ECOFACTOR EV Charging app was created on iOS and Android, which helps you quickly find the nearest station via map of charging stationscheck its availability and pay for charging without any extra steps.

Through our online store, you can order not only chargersand accessories, cables and adapters for all types of electric vehicles. We also offer business customers a complete solution, from station installation to network management via our SaaS platform. All this works together to make charging simple, fast and profitable – whether for owners of Tesla, Zeekr or any of the other electric cars that are becoming part of Ukrainian roads every year.

Comfort and behaviour on the road

The Tesla Y feels like a typical crossover – a little stiff, but confident on the road. The suspension is set up in a sporty way, so bumps are sometimes felt on our roads. But the handling is excellent: quick reactions, precise steering, and stability in corners.

The Zeekr 001 has a different character. Its suspension is softer, similar to German sedans. It does not “jump” on potholes, and even at speed it remains comfortable. The sound insulation is excellent, and the cabin is quiet on the highway. For daily driving, especially if the roads are not perfect, the Zeekr looks more attractive.

Security and technology

In terms of safety, both models perform at the highest level, but approach it from different angles. Tesla and Zeekr understand that a strong body is not enough for a modern electric vehicle – it is important that the car not only protects in the event of a collision, but also has the ability to prevent it.

The Zeekr 001 passed the European Euro NCAP test in 2024 and received the maximum 5 stars. The results are truly impressive:

• Protection of adult passengers – 89%
• Child protection – 88%
• Pedestrian safety – 84%
• Driver assistance systems – 83%

This demonstrates the manufacturer’s comprehensive approach. The Zeekr’s body is based on Geely’s modular SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) platform, which was originally developed for electric vehicles. Thanks to this, the weight distribution and rigidity of the body are well balanced, and the battery pack is integrated into the power structure as an additional element of protection.

In addition, Zeekr is equipped with L2 active security systems, including:

• Adaptive cruise control with smooth acceleration and braking
• Lane keeping with steering correction
• Monitoring blind spots
• Automatic braking in the event of an obstacle
• 360-degree camera system for full visibility around the car
• Road sign and speed limit recognition system

All this makes driving a Zeekr not only comfortable but also stress-free. The driver feels that the car is in control of the situation around it – reacting to risks, alerting the driver when to brake, and helping to avoid potential accidents.

The Tesla Model Y, for its part, remains the benchmark for technological integration. It also has a 5-star safety rating from both Euro NCAP and the NHTSA (US). Tesla is known for treating safety as part of its software code – the car is literally constantly being updated.

One of the main advantages is automatic over-the-air updates. This means that Tesla can improve driver assistance systems without visiting a service centre. For example, with each new version, the autopilot receives new algorithms for recognising the road situation, and works better with markings, cameras, and sensors. The car actually “learns” from the millions of kilometres driven by other Teslas in the world every day. Among the main Tesla safety features:

• Automatic emergency braking
• Control of dead zones
• Keeping in the lane and preventing drifting off the road
• Recognition of road signs and speed limits
• Side collision avoidance system
• Continuous video surveillance (Sentry Mode) that records events around the car, even when it is parked

Tesla also has its own Autopilot system, which in its advanced version can be considered a transitional stage to full autonomous driving. It is based on cameras and software, not on lidar, as many competitors use. This approach reduces the cost of the system, but requires extremely accurate algorithms.

What it looks like in Ukraine

The situation here is a little more complicated. Although Tesla has the most advanced systems, not all features are officially available in Ukraine. Some elements of the autopilot work partially or with limitations due to the lack of local support from the manufacturer. Updates are coming, but the full “Full Self-Driving” functionality is not yet active.

Zeekr, on the other hand, is tailored to European markets, and most of its systems work perfectly. The car immediately offers a range of active driver-assistance features that do not rely on servers overseas. This instils confidence when driving – the systems operate reliably, respond quickly and do not depend on a constant internet connection.

Practicality in everyday life

In Ukrainian realities, the little things often make all the difference.

Tesla Model Y

• Easy access to charging stations thanks to compatibility with most networks.
• The service network is already established.
• It is easier to sell on the secondary market.

Zeekr 001

• More range, more comfortable interior.
• More powerful climate control and faster AC charging.
• The boot capacity is impressive – up to 2,144 litres.

Whilst a Tesla is the choice of the rational buyer, Zeekr is ideal for those who want more comfort and that ‘wow factor’ without paying a premium for the brand.

Energy efficiency and costs

The Zeekr 001 has an average energy consumption of 196 Wh/km, whilst the Tesla Model Y’s is 158 Wh/km. In other words, the Tesla is slightly more economical, particularly in urban areas, where frequent stops and regenerative braking help to reduce energy consumption.

In real life, the difference in charging costs is minimal. With an annual mileage of around 15,000 km, a Tesla will cost approximately 8,300 UAH, whilst a Zeekr will cost around 10,000 UAH (based on a domestic night-time tariff). In other words, the difference amounts to a few hundred hryvnias a month.

Zeekr compensates for this with a larger 94 kWh battery, which allows you to charge less frequently and cover long distances comfortably. The Tesla, on the other hand, with a smaller battery (60 kWh), charges faster and is better suited for daily use in the city.

Briefly about the main points

Specifications	Zeekr 001 Performance AWD	Tesla Model Y RWD (Juniper)
Power	400 kW (544 hp)	200 kW (272 hp)
Reason.	All-wheel drive (AWD)	Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Battery	94 kWh	60 kWh
Actual range	~480 km	~380 km
DC charging	200 kW (31 mins)	175 kW (24 mins)
AC charging	22 kW	11 kW
Acceleration 0–100 km/h	3.8 s	7.2 s
Length / Wheelbase	4,955 mm / 2,999 mm	4,797 mm / 2,890 mm
Load compartment (max.)	2,144 litres	2,118 litres
Euro NCAP rating	5 stars	5 stars

Which car is right for you

Tesla Model Y is more suitable for those looking for a reliable electric vehicle with a proven track record. It is a choice for those who spend most of their time in the city or travel medium distances, where efficiency, ease of charging, and a well-thought-out ecosystem are important. This car is easy to integrate into everyday life, and regular system updates keep it up-to-date even a few years after purchase.

The Zeekr 001 is chosen by drivers who value space, comfort and a sense of novelty. This is an option for long journeys when you want to have a long range and not worry about frequent charging. It will be appreciated by those who value technology but do not want to be “like everyone else”, who are looking for something fresh, more individual and focused on real comfort, not just a brand.

Bottom line: who wins?

To be honest, both cars are brilliant, but they’re suited to different types of driver. The Tesla Model Y remains a versatile choice for those who value reliability, simplicity and brand recognition. It’s slightly more economical and has a well-developed ecosystem, but is less impressive in terms of performance and design.

The Zeekr 001, on the other hand, feels fresher, more powerful and more comfortable. It’s more like a car you want to enjoy, rather than just use. For Ukrainian conditions – with our roads, cold weather and long distances – the Zeekr has the edge in range, charging speed and space.

Frequently asked questions