Premium Chinese EVs — up to 30% cheaper, in stock in the EU · 3-year warrantySee cars →
Chinese EVs

Tesla vs Chinese EVs (2026): Model 3/Y vs SU7, AVATR 06, Deepal S07

Published on June 18, 202612 min readautopase.lv team

TL;DR: Tesla Model 3 (from ~€36,990) and Model Y (from ~€40,990 in Germany, directional for 2026) remain the benchmark for software, the Supercharger network and resale value. The Chinese challengers attack from two flanks: Deepal S07 (~€34,700 incl. VAT) is the cheapest entry, Xiaomi SU7 Max (~€38,800 incl. VAT, 673 hp, 800V, 101 kWh CATL) matches Model 3 Performance power for the price of an ordinary sedan, and AVATR 06 (~€45,000) brings Huawei ADS and 800V to the premium tier. The short version: pick Tesla if you want a mature autopilot, the densest fast-charging network and the most predictable resale; pick a Chinese EV if you want more power, more equipment and an 800V architecture for 22–34% less. The Chinese models are in stock in the EU with 2–7 day delivery and a 3-year / 100,000 km EU warranty through our trusted partner in Latvia, china-cars.online.

See cars in stock — china-cars.online →In stock in the EU · 2–7 day delivery · 3-year / 100,000 km EU warranty · CATL batteries

The matchup: Tesla Model 3/Y vs the Chinese contenders?

The Tesla Model 3 is the compact sport sedan; the Model Y is Europe's best-selling electric crossover. Against them, the Chinese trio plays at different price/power points:

  • Deepal S07 (~€34,700 incl. VAT) — a family crossover with a HarmonyOS interface and a CATL battery; the cheapest entry and a direct Model Y rival on price.
  • Xiaomi SU7 Max (~€38,800 incl. VAT) — 673 hp, 0–100 km/h in 2.78 s, 830 km (CLTC), 800V and 101 kWh CATL; the power predator that matches Model 3 Performance but costs like a mid-range Model 3.
  • AVATR 06 (~€45,000 incl. VAT) — a Changan + Huawei + CATL collaboration with Huawei ADS and an 800V architecture; the premium play against Model Y Long Range / Performance.

The core idea: Tesla competes on software maturity and network; the Chinese brands compete on hardware and equipment for the money.


How much does Tesla cost vs Chinese EVs (incl. VAT)?

Below are directional 2026 prices. Tesla prices are German "from" prices (they change often — check the live configurator); Chinese model prices are final prices incl. VAT from partner china-cars.online.

| Model | Price (directional, incl. VAT) | Power | Range | Architecture | |---|---|---|---|---| | Tesla Model 3 Standard | from ~€36,990 | ~283 hp | ~520 km (WLTP) | 400V | | Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD | from ~€40,400 | ~498 hp | ~700 km (WLTP) | 400V | | Tesla Model 3 Performance | from ~€48,700 | ~460 hp | ~570 km (WLTP) | 400V | | Tesla Model Y Standard | from ~€40,990 | ~295 hp | ~500 km (WLTP) | 400V | | Deepal S07 | ~€34,700 | — | ~475 km (WLTP) | — | | Xiaomi SU7 Max | ~€38,800 | 673 hp | 830 km (CLTC) | 800V · 101 kWh CATL | | AVATR 06 | ~€45,000 | — | — | 800V · Huawei + CATL |

Note on range: Tesla figures are WLTP, while the SU7 Max's 830 km is CLTC, which usually reads 5–10% higher. Compare as a guide, not 1:1.

The Chinese models' savings band against comparable European premium is roughly 22–34%. Against Tesla itself the gap is smaller, because Tesla has aggressively cut its Standard versions too — so the fair framing isn't "half the price," it's what you get for the same money: the SU7 Max at ~€38,800 delivers 673 hp and 800V, while a similarly priced Model 3 Standard offers ~283 hp and 400V.

See cars in stock — china-cars.online →In stock in the EU · 2–7 day delivery · 3-year / 100,000 km EU warranty · CATL batteries

Tech: Tesla FSD/Autopilot vs Huawei ADS and HarmonyOS?

This is where Tesla is still strong:

  • Tesla Autopilot is standard (adaptive cruise + lane keeping). FSD (Supervised) in Europe in 2026 is offered as a subscription — ~€99/month (directional), or ~€49/month if your account holds Enhanced Autopilot (check current pricing; Tesla changes it). Tesla's edge is years of refined software and a huge fleet data base.
  • Huawei ADS (AVATR 06, plus AITO M5) is one of China's most advanced driver-assistance systems, often with a LiDAR sensor that "sees" surroundings in 3D more precisely than cameras alone. Technologically it's a serious rival, but in Europe its functionality and legal status can differ from China — check which features are active in the EU.
  • HarmonyOS (Deepal S07, AVATR) is Huawei's smart-car OS with a smooth, phone-like interface and OTA updates.
  • Xiaomi HyperOS in the SU7 ties the car into Xiaomi's smartphone and smart-home ecosystem — Xiaomi's core advantage is its gadget development cadence.

The honest takeaway: Tesla = the most mature autonomy software with the longest real-world track record; Huawei ADS = the boldest hardware (LiDAR as standard). Both are supervised assistants, not self-driving cars — the driver is always responsible for the wheel.


Build quality, interior and screens — which feels more expensive?

  • Tesla has a minimalist cabin — almost everything runs through one central screen, with no instrument cluster (Model 3/Y). Materials are decent, build precision has historically been variable, but the latest generation (Highland) tightened it up. The strength is software that's smooth, fast and predictable.
  • Chinese models often win precisely on "feel for the money": more screens (AVATR, and Li Auto's lineup — up to four), softer materials, ventilated/massage seats, premium audio and LiDAR already in the base spec. The SU7 stands out with sporty styling and a Cd 0.195 drag coefficient.

Put simply: for the same money the Chinese cabin usually feels richer in equipment, while Tesla's software ecosystem is more polished.


Charging: Supercharger vs 800V CCS?

This is historically Tesla's strongest argument and technically the Chinese models' strongest:

  • The Supercharger network is the densest and most reliable fast-charging network in Europe with a flawless "plug & charge" experience. The Model 3/Y use a 400V architecture — mature, but not as fast at peak power as 800V.
  • 800V CCS (Xiaomi SU7 Max, AVATR 06) delivers higher peak charging power and lower losses — in theory a shorter "10–80%" stop at a sufficiently powerful charger. The downside: the choice of public 800V stations in Latvia/the EU is still smaller than 400V, and the convenience of Tesla's network stays with Tesla.

In practice: if you drive a lot of long routes and value charging peace of mind, the Supercharger network is hard to beat. If you value the car's own fastest charging potential, the 800V SU7 Max / AVATR 06 are technically ahead. More on day-to-day charging in the guide EV charging.

See cars in stock — china-cars.online →In stock in the EU · 2–7 day delivery · 3-year / 100,000 km EU warranty · CATL batteries

Warranty and resale — where's the risk?

  • Tesla in Europe is an established brand with predictable resale value and a wide service network. That's a real advantage if you plan to sell the car after 3–4 years.
  • Chinese models through china-cars.online come with a 3-year / 100,000 km EU warranty plus a separate CATL battery warranty (CATL is the world's largest battery maker, supplying Tesla, BMW and Mercedes too). Service happens in the EU — no shipping the car back to China.
  • An honest note: Xiaomi, AVATR and Deepal are newer brands in Europe, so their long-term resale-value and service track record is shorter than Tesla's. This is offset by the EU warranty and a lower purchase price, but it's a real factor to weigh.

More on how warranties work in Car warranty.


Who should pick Tesla, who a Chinese EV?

Pick Tesla if:

  • you want the most mature autopilot / FSD and OTA ecosystem;
  • you drive lots of long routes and value the Supercharger network's peace of mind;
  • predictable resale value and a wide service network matter to you;
  • you like a minimalist cabin and software that "just works."

Pick a Chinese EV if:

  • you want more power, range and equipment for the money (SU7 Max: 673 hp, 800V for ~€38,800);
  • you value 800V fast charging and LiDAR as standard (SU7 Max, AVATR 06);
  • you're after the cheapest family entry (Deepal S07 ~€34,700);
  • you're comfortable with a newer brand in exchange for a 22–34% lower price and a richer spec.

For a broader overview see Chinese EVs, or the specific models: Xiaomi SU7, AVATR 06, Deepal S07.


Frequently asked questions

Which is better — Tesla Model 3 or Xiaomi SU7?

It depends on priorities. The Tesla Model 3 wins on autopilot maturity, the Supercharger network and resale value. The Xiaomi SU7 Max wins on power (673 hp vs ~283 hp for the Model 3 Standard), 800V charging and equipment at a similar price (~€38,800). Want the software ecosystem — Tesla; want more hardware for the money — the SU7 Max.

How much do the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y cost in Europe in 2026?

Directionally in Germany: Model 3 Standard from ~€36,990, Model 3 Long Range AWD from ~€40,400, Model 3 Performance from ~€48,700, Model Y Standard from ~€40,990. Tesla prices change often — check the live configurator before buying.

How much does Tesla FSD cost in Europe?

In 2026, FSD (Supervised) in Europe is offered mainly as a subscription — ~€99/month (directional), or ~€49/month for owners with Enhanced Autopilot on their account. Check the current price on Tesla's site, as pricing and availability vary by country.

Is Tesla's autopilot better than Huawei ADS?

Tesla's FSD is the most mature in terms of real-world experience and fleet data. Huawei ADS (AVATR 06, AITO M5) is technologically bold, often with LiDAR that "sees" surroundings more precisely than cameras alone. Both are supervised assistants, not self-driving cars — the driver always controls the wheel. In Europe, feature availability can differ from China.

What is 800V and why does it matter against Tesla's 400V?

800V is a high-voltage architecture that delivers higher peak charging power and lower losses than Tesla's 400V system. The SU7 Max and AVATR 06 use 800V; Tesla's Model 3/Y use 400V. In practice that means a potentially shorter fast-charging stop, if the station's power allows it.

Is the Supercharger network a reason to pick Tesla?

Yes. Supercharger is the densest and most reliable fast-charging network in Europe and very simple to use. If you drive a lot of long routes, that's a real Tesla plus. The Chinese 800V models technically charge faster, but the choice of public 800V stations is still smaller.

What warranty do Chinese EVs have in Europe?

Through china-cars.online — a 3-year / 100,000 km EU warranty plus a separate CATL battery warranty. Service takes place in the EU, like any European car, with no need to ship the car back to China.

What about resale value — do Chinese cars lose more?

Possibly, yes. Tesla in Europe is a mature brand with predictable resale, while Xiaomi, AVATR and Deepal are newer, so their resale-value track record is shorter. This is partly offset by a lower purchase price and the EU warranty, but it's an honest risk to factor in.

Why are Chinese EVs cheaper than the comparable class?

It isn't a compromise on quality but a different cost structure: huge production scale, deep vertical integration (they make their own batteries, chips and software), a fast gadget development cadence, fierce domestic competition and direct factory sales. That's why the honest savings band is ~22–34%.

Which Chinese model is the cheapest?

The Deepal S07 (~€34,700 incl. VAT) is the cheapest entry — a family crossover with a CATL battery and HarmonyOS. The SU7 Max (~€38,800) is the powerful sedan, and the AVATR 06 (~€45,000) is the premium option with Huawei ADS. See the overview at Chinese EVs.

How fast can I get a Chinese EV in Latvia?

The car is in stock in an EU warehouse with delivery usually in 2–7 days; some units may be 14–21 days in transit. Ordering and delivery are handled by our trusted partner in Latvia, china-cars.online.

See Xiaomi SU7 in stock →In stock in the EU · 2–7 day delivery · 3-year / 100,000 km EU warranty · CATL batteries

Prices and specifications are indicative and reflect 2026 figures. Tesla prices are German "from" prices and change often — check the live Tesla configurator. The Chinese model prices published by china-cars.online are final prices incl. VAT (ex-VAT base ≈ +20% VAT). autopase.lv is a partner of china-cars.online.

Topics

TeslaModel 3Model YXiaomi SU7AVATR 06Deepal S07electric carChinese EVsFSDHuawei ADSCATLcomparison

💬 Share this article with friends!