Chasing Tesla Model Y: Exploring 5 China’s Homegrown EV Challengers

Are you in the market for a sleek and eco-friendly SUV that combines style, technology, and performance? Look no further! We've compiled a comprehensive comparison of some of the top electric SUVs on the market. From the iconic Tesla Model Y to exciting newcomers like the Changan Deepal 620 Max and the SAIC IM LS6, we'll help you discover the perfect electric SUV that suits your needs. Read on to find out which one stands out as the best choice for you!

Introduction

In recent years, Tesla’s Model Y, produced at the Shanghai Gigafactory, has become one of the most popular electric car brands in China and the global market. It represents the ongoing trend in electric vehicle development. Consequently, whether they are traditional car manufacturers or new entrants in the Chinese market, all are actively competing and launching new electric car products. They have adopted a straightforward strategy, comparing their own products to Tesla, which leads us to discuss several models today that claim to compete with the Tesla Model Y.

Before diving into the details of each car model, there are several key factors that need to be clarified. Firstly, one of the most important considerations is the range or the driving distance these vehicles can cover on a single charge. The claimed range by manufacturers is often significantly influenced by battery density and management. Therefore, we will provide the manufacturer’s claimed range, but to present the vehicle’s configuration more objectively, we will also introduce the battery capacity. This is an essential parameter and may be more representative than the manufacturer’s claimed range.

Secondly, it’s important to note that the range ratings provided by manufacturers are typically based on the CLTC standard, which is relatively lenient and often overestimates the range for most vehicles. In real-world usage, especially in summer, you can expect a reduction of about 20-25% compared to the CLTC-rated range. In winter conditions, this reduction may increase to approximately 40-50%. Understanding these factors is crucial when purchasing an electric vehicle.

Now, let’s start by briefly introducing the Tesla Model Y produced at the Shanghai Gigafactory. In China, there are three versions to choose from: the standard rear-wheel-drive version, the long-range version, and the high-performance version. Today, we are focusing on the most popular and widely accepted standard rear-wheel-drive version.

Introducing the Tesla Model Y: Setting the Standard for Electric SUVs

In recent years, the Tesla Model Y has emerged as one of the most popular electric car brands in both the Chinese and global markets. It represents the ongoing trend in electric vehicle development. Consequently, traditional automakers and new entrants in the Chinese market are actively competing and launching new electric car products. They employ a straightforward strategy, comparing their products directly to the Tesla Model Y. This has led to the discussion of several models claiming to compete with the Tesla Model Y.

Before delving into the details of each model, there are several key factors that need clarification. Firstly, one of the most important considerations is the range of these vehicles. Manufacturer-claimed ranges are typically influenced significantly by battery density and management. Therefore, we will provide the manufacturer’s claimed range, but to present the vehicle’s configuration more objectively, we will also introduce the battery capacity. This is an essential parameter and may be more representative than the manufacturer’s claimed range.

Secondly, it’s important to clarify that the manufacturer’s provided range rating is typically based on the CLTC standard, which is relatively lenient and often gives most vehicles an overrated range. In real-world usage, especially in summer, you can expect a reduction of approximately 20-25% compared to the CLTC-rated range. In winter conditions, this reduction may increase to about 40-50%. Understanding these factors is crucial when purchasing an electric car.

Now, let’s start by briefly introducing the Tesla Model Y produced at the Shanghai Gigafactory. In China, there are three versions to choose from: the Standard Rear-Wheel Drive version, the Long Range version, and the Performance version. Today, we’ll focus on the most popular and widely accepted Standard Rear-Wheel Drive version.

The dimensions of the Model Y Standard Rear-Wheel Drive version are as follows: length 4,750 mm, width 1,921 mm, height 1,624 mm, with a wheelbase of 2,890 mm. It features a single electric motor with a maximum power output of 299 horsepower and peak torque of 440 Newton-meters. This model uses Tesla’s custom-made lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in China, with battery cells supplied by CATL. The battery has an energy capacity of 60 kilowatt-hours (kWh) and an energy density of 126 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg). Fast-charging from 30% to 80% takes about an hour, while slow charging requires approximately ten hours. The Model Y comes equipped with 19-inch wheels (Rim) and seven airbags, including a central front airbag, as well as tire pressure monitoring.

Tesla provides an array of advanced driver assistance systems, including lane departure warning, active braking, forward collision warning, Sentry Mode, and low-speed driving warning, among others. It offers three driving modes: Chill, Standard, and Snow, as well as a one-pedal driving mode. The car also features automatic parking and hill start assist. Notably, it comes with frameless doors, front and rear parking radar, a rearview camera, and, most significantly, it’s equipped with a Full Self-Driving (FSD) chip boasting 140 trillion operations per second (TOPS) computing power, along with eight cameras for advanced driver assistance and Autopilot.

The central control screen measures 15 inches and handles virtually all controls without physical buttons. While the car does not come with a digital instrument cluster, it provides three front and two rear USB or Type C charging ports. The seats are upholstered in synthetic leather instead of genuine leather, and the seat ventilation function has been omitted, but the front seats retain heating and power adjustments. Second-row seat heating is also available. The audio system is equipped with 14 speakers, delivering exceptional sound quality. Additionally, the Tesla Model Y features automatic air conditioning and, crucially, utilizes a heat pump HVAC system for robust winter performance without excessive battery consumption. Moreover, it includes a PM2.5 air filtration system.

The Model Y boasts an outstanding chassis quality that surpasses many traditional gasoline cars. The addition of Full Self-Driving (FSD) could elevate the vehicle’s performance to the next level. For consumers purchasing the Standard Rear-Wheel Drive version, it is a highly practical family car with a capacious trunk, offering an impressive cargo capacity of up to 2,158 liters.

Here are some standout features of the Tesla Model Y:

  • 19-inch wheels (Rim)
  • 14-speaker audio system
  • 15-inch central control screen
  • Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries
  • Energy capacity of 60 kilowatt-hours (kWh)
  • Energy density of 126 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg)
  • Fast charging from 30% to 80% in about an hour
  • Single electric motor with 299 horsepower
  • Peak torque of 440 Newton-meters
  • Seven airbags, including a central front airbag
  • Tire pressure monitoring
  • Full Self-Driving (FSD) chip with 140 trillion operations per second (TOPS) computing power
  • Eight cameras for advanced driver assistance and Autopilot
  • Three front and two rear USB or Type C charging ports
  • Synthetic leather seats
  • Front seat heating and power adjustments
  • Second-row seat heating
  • Automatic air conditioning
  • Heat pump HVAC system for efficient winter performance
  • PM2.5 air filtration system
  • Spacious trunk with up to 2,158 liters of cargo capacity
  1. 2023 Changan Deepal 620 Max Pure Electric: A Strong Contender Against Tesla Model Y

The 2023 Changan Deepal 620 Max Pure Electric has emerged as a formidable competitor to the Tesla Model Y. Let’s delve into the details of this intriguing vehicle.

Comparable Size and Remarkable Value

The Changan Deepal 620 Max Pure Electric stands out for its impressive value proposition. Its dimensions closely mirror those of the Tesla Model Y, with a length of 4,750 mm, width of 1,930 mm, and height of 1,625 mm, making it an almost identical sibling to the Model Y.

Impressive Electric Power

Under the hood, this vehicle is equipped with a single electric motor that delivers a maximum power output of 210 horsepower and a peak torque of 320 Nm. It utilizes advanced lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries supplied by CATL and CALB New Energy, boasting an energy capacity of a substantial 79.97 kWh. This formidable battery capacity results in an impressive claimed range of 620 kilometers, making it well-suited for long-distance journeys. Furthermore, the 620 Max supports rapid charging, allowing you to replenish the battery from 30% to 80% in a short period.

Abundant Features and Robust Safety Systems

The 620 Max offers a wealth of features and robust safety systems, providing added convenience and peace of mind. Standard features include 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, front and rear six airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Safety is paramount, with features such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, fatigue detection, and forward collision warning. Additionally, the vehicle offers four different driving modes, including Sport, Economy, Standard, and Custom, along with practical functions like energy regeneration and automatic parking assist on slopes. The 620 Max is equipped with front and rear dual radar systems, a 360-degree panoramic imaging system, and a host of advanced driver assistance features, enhancing the driving experience. Keyless start, battery preheating, and remote start are among the convenience-enhancing features.

Luxurious Interior and Winter-Ready Range

Inside, the 620 Max boasts a luxurious interior with features like heated seats, an outstanding sound system with 18 speakers, and efficient air conditioning. The front seats offer power adjustments and heating, while the rear seats are also equipped with heating, ensuring a comfortable ride for passengers. The vehicle’s air conditioning system is designed to provide efficient heating during the winter months without significantly draining the battery.

Exceptional Value for Potential Buyers

In conclusion, the 2023 Changan Deepal 620 Max Pure Electric excels in terms of both performance and affordability. It presents an enticing alternative to the Tesla Model Y, offering comparable size and a range of features at a competitive price point. For potential buyers, it represents a compelling choice in the electric vehicle market.

  • Xpeng G6 2023: A Strong Competitor in the Electric Vehicle Market

The Xpeng G6 2023, specifically the 580 Long-Range Pro edition, is a promising electric vehicle (EV) from the emerging brand Xpeng. With competitive pricing and performance, it competes head-to-head with the Tesla Model Y. Let’s delve into the details of the Xpeng G6.

Impressive Size and Performance

The Xpeng G6 580 Long-Range Pro impresses with its size and power. It closely matches the dimensions of the Model Y, measuring 4,753 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, and 1,650 mm in height, making it nearly identical to its Tesla counterpart. Under the hood, it features a single electric motor with a maximum power output of 296 horsepower and a peak torque of 440 Nm, delivering outstanding performance. Its lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery boasts an energy capacity of 66 kWh, supporting rapid charging at up to 280 kW. Charging from 30% to 80% takes just 20 minutes, enhancing convenience.

Rich Features and Robust Safety Systems

The Xpeng G6 580 Long-Range Pro comes generously equipped with features and a comprehensive safety system. Standard offerings include 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, front and rear six airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The vehicle places significant emphasis on active safety systems, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, fatigue detection, and forward collision warning. Additionally, the Xpeng G6 provides two driving modes – Sport and Standard, along with features like one-pedal driving, energy regeneration, and automatic parking assist for slopes. It’s equipped with front and rear dual radar systems, a 360-degree panoramic imaging system, and a wealth of advanced driver assistance features, elevating the overall driving experience. Keyless start, battery preheating, and remote start further enhance user convenience.

Luxurious Interior and Winter-Ready Range

Inside the Xpeng G6, you’ll find a luxurious cabin with standout features such as heated seats, an exceptional 18-speaker sound system, and efficient air conditioning. The front seats offer power adjustments and heating, while the rear seats also provide heating, ensuring a comfortable ride for all passengers. The vehicle’s air conditioning system is designed to provide efficient heating during the winter months without significantly affecting battery life.

A Compelling Choice

In summary, the Xpeng G6 580 Long-Range Pro delivers impressive performance, competitive pricing, and a rich feature set. It presents a compelling choice for potential buyers, offering exceptional value in the electric vehicle market.

The starting FOB price for the Xpeng G6 is $29,357 USD, and specific discounts can be obtained by contacting our team.

2. Buick Electra 5 2023: A Compelling Electric SUV

The Buick Electra 5 2023, specifically the Intelligent Enjoy Standard Range version, stands out in terms of body size, making it the longest among our recommended models. Let’s delve into the details of this impressive electric SUV.

Impressive Dimensions and Power

The Buick Electra 5 boasts impressive dimensions, measuring 4,892 mm in length, 1,905 mm in width, 1,681 mm in height, and featuring a generous 2,954 mm wheelbase. Under the hood, it features a single electric motor capable of producing up to 245 horsepower and a peak torque of 330 Nm. The vehicle is equipped with a 68.4 kWh ternary lithium battery cell, supplied by the SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture, which combines the strengths of SAIC Motor, General Motors, and CATL. Standard features include 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, front and rear six airbags, tire pressure monitoring, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, low-speed driving alert, and rear collision warning, ensuring comprehensive active safety measures.

Versatile Driving Modes and Advanced Safety Systems

The Buick Electra 5 offers four different driving modes, including Sport, Standard, Snow, and Custom, catering to various driving needs. Furthermore, it supports energy regeneration and automatic parking assist for slopes. Equipped with front and rear dual radar systems, a 360-degree panoramic imaging system, and a wealth of advanced driver assistance features, this SUV enhances driving convenience. It also features steering wheel release detection for specific situations, contributing significantly to driving safety. Additional convenience features include NFC key, keyless start, remote start, battery preheating, and hidden door handles.

Luxurious Interior and Impressive Technology

Inside, the Buick Electra 5 boasts a luxurious interior with heated seats, an outstanding audio system, and efficient air conditioning. The front seats offer power adjustments and heating, while the rear seats also provide heating, ensuring a comfortable ride for all passengers. The vehicle is equipped with an automatic air conditioning system that features a heat pump, ensuring minimal battery consumption, especially in winter. Additionally, the Buick Electra 5 features a remarkable 30-inch infotainment screen with CarPlay support, powered by the high-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, boasting a 6K resolution. It offers two USB and Type-C charging ports in both the front and rear to accommodate various charging needs. The driver and front passenger seats offer power adjustments and heating, while the rear seats can be folded proportionally, providing ample storage and seating space.

Exceptional Value

In summary, the Buick Electra 5 2023 Intelligent Enjoy Standard Range edition offers exceptional value. It excels in performance and features while maintaining an attractive price point. The large infotainment screen and luxurious interior make it a strong choice for potential buyers. Starting at just $29,217 USD (FOB price), with the potential for additional discounts upon inquiry, the Buick Electra 5 may be particularly appealing to those interested in a spacious and tech-savvy vehicle.

3. BYD Tang 2024 EV Champion Edition: A Powerful Electric SUV

The BYD Tang 2024 EV Champion Edition stands as a remarkable recommendation. BYD, a leader in China’s electric vehicle industry, has consistently showcased remarkable expertise in pure electric and hybrid technology. The Tang, named after the Tang Dynasty of China, is the largest model within BYD’s SUV lineup.

Impressive Dimensions and Electric Power

The BYD Tang boasts substantial dimensions, measuring 4,900 mm in length, 1,950 mm in width, 1,725 mm in height, and featuring a wheelbase of 2,820 mm. Similar to the previously recommended models, the Tang utilizes a front-mounted single electric motor, delivering a maximum output of 228 horsepower and a peak torque of 350 Nm. The vehicle employs BYD’s proprietary blade lithium iron phosphate battery with a capacity of 90.3 kWh, enabling fast charging capabilities that can swiftly replenish the battery from 30% to 80%. However, considering the battery capacity, there’s room for improvement in the officially claimed 600-kilometer range.

Advanced Features and Safety

In terms of features, the BYD Tang comes equipped with an array of advanced safety systems, including active safety systems, driving mode selection, energy recovery, automatic hill-start assist, front and rear dual radar systems, a 360-degree panoramic imaging system, and a wealth of driver assistance functions. The vehicle also boasts an L2 level advanced driving assistance system, supporting full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, road sign recognition, and more. Additionally, the Tang offers convenient features such as a power-operated tailgate with memory function, remote key, Bluetooth key, keyless start, keyless entry, remote start, battery preheating, and the capability to power other devices like lawnmowers using the vehicle’s battery.

Luxurious Interior and Cutting-Edge Technology

Inside, the BYD Tang offers a luxurious configuration, including leather seats, power adjustments for both driver and front passenger, ventilated and heated seats, a high-end Denon audio system, ambient lighting, and more. The vehicle is equipped with a zone air conditioning system featuring a heat pump and PM2.5 air filtration. The central control screen boasts an impressive 15.6 inches, complemented by a 12.3-inch LCD driver display. Both front and rear passengers benefit from USB and Type-C charging ports to cater to their charging needs.

Exceptional Value

The BYD Tang 2024 EV Champion Edition with a 600-kilometer range and premium features starts at just $34,937 USD (FOB price). If you have a bulk order, we offer varying discounts based on the quantity. This model provides a wealth of features, powerful electric performance, and an attractive price point, making it a compelling choice for prospective buyers.

5. 2023 IM LS6 Max Standard Edition: An Exciting New Electric SUV

The 2023 IM LS6 Max Standard Edition is a recent addition to the market with an FOB starting price of $32,153 USD. With the year-end holiday season approaching, there may be potential discounts and promotions in December. Let’s explore the key features of this new IM LS6 model.

Impressive Dimensions and Powerful Electric Motor

The IM LS6 boasts impressive dimensions, measuring 4,904 mm in length, 1,988 mm in width, and 1,669 mm in height. Notably, it is the widest among the recommended models, with a wheelbase of 2,950 mm. It is powered by a single electric motor delivering an impressive 314 horsepower and a peak torque of 450 Nm. The vehicle utilizes a three-element lithium battery with a capacity of 71 kWh, supplied by SAIC Time. While specific fast and slow charging times have not been provided yet due to its recent launch, it is expected to support rapid charging.

Advanced Safety and Features

In terms of safety, the IM LS6 is equipped with a range of active safety features, including lane departure warning, active braking, fatigue detection, door opening warning (DOW), front and rear collision warnings, and low-speed driving alerts. The vehicle offers multiple driving modes, including sport, economy, standard, and custom modes, along with features like energy recovery, automatic parking, front and rear parking radar, a 360-degree panoramic imaging system, and side blind-spot imaging. With up to 11 cameras, 12 ultrasonic radars, and three millimeter-wave radars, it supports a wide array of advanced driver assistance functions. The advanced driver assistance chip utilizes the NVIDIA Orin X chip, providing the vehicle with L2-level advanced driver assistance features, including full-speed adaptive cruise control, side alerts, lane-keeping assist, lane centering, traffic sign recognition, automated parking, steering wheel disengagement detection, remote parking, and automatic lane-changing assistance.

Convenience Features and Luxurious Interior

The IM LS6 also offers a range of convenient features, such as frameless door design, power-operated tailgate with memory function, Bluetooth key, keyless start, keyless entry, hidden door handles, remote start, and a non-opening panoramic sunroof. The central control screen measures an impressive 26.3 inches, with an optional 15.5-inch entertainment screen for the front passenger available for an additional cost. The infotainment chip is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155, supporting a 4K display resolution. There are two USB ports in the front and one Type-C charging port in the rear for charging convenience. Both the driver and front passenger seats feature power adjustments, heating, and ventilation functions. The sound system boasts 20 speakers, and the interior ambient lighting offers a staggering 256 color options. Additionally, the vehicle features automatic zone air conditioning with a heat pump.

Overall Impression

The 2023 IM LS6 Max Standard Edition offers a wealth of features and outstanding performance, delivering a diverse range of advanced functions and driving experiences to prospective buyers. As the year-end approaches, there may be more promotional offers to consider, making December an excellent time to inquire and learn more about this exciting model. The IM6 standard FoB price starts from USD32,153 and please consult our team for any discounts applied.

Car ModelBattery Capacity (kWh)Size (LxWxH in mm)Wheelbase (mm)Max Horsepower (HP)Max Torque (Nm)FoB Price (USD)
Tesla Model Y (2022)60.04,750×1,920×1,6252,890376510$36,909
Changan Deepal 2023 620 Max Pure Electric79.974,750×1,930×1,6252,900210320$28,378
Xpeng G6 2023 580 Long Range Pro Edition66.04,753×1,920×1,650296440$29,357
Buick Electra 5 2023 Standard Range Version68.44,892×1,905×1,6812,954245330$29,217
BYD Tang 2024 EV Champion Edition 600KM90.34,900×1,950×1,7252,820228350$34,937
SAIC IM LS6 2023 Max Standard Version71.04,904×1,988×1,6692,950314450$32,153

Conclusion:

In the rapidly evolving world of electric SUVs, we’ve explored a diverse range of options. The Tesla Model Y impresses with its established brand reputation, robust performance, and advanced technology. For budget-conscious buyers, the Changan Deepal 620 Max and Xpeng G6 offer compelling alternatives with impressive battery capacities and affordability.

The Buick Electra 5 excels in spaciousness, making it a great choice for families. On the other hand, the BYD Tang impresses with its massive battery capacity and range, ideal for long-distance travel. Finally, the SAIC IM LS6 stands out with its feature-rich package and competitive pricing.

Ultimately, the best electric SUV for you depends on your specific preferences, whether it’s brand prestige, range, affordability, or technology. As electric vehicles continue to gain popularity, these options provide a glimpse into the exciting future of sustainable and stylish SUVs.