Are There Any China V Vehicles That Do Not Require Urea?

[SanSophia]

China V vehicles generally do not operate without urea, as omitting urea can have certain impacts. Below are the effects of not using urea in China V vehicles: Impact on the vehicle itself: If urea is not added, it may result in the vehicle being torque-limited, unable to accelerate properly, and consuming more fuel. Impact on the environment: Urea is a mandatory additive designed to treat nitrogen oxides in exhaust gases, reducing the emission of substances harmful to the atmosphere. Therefore, not using urea can contribute to atmospheric pollution. Impact on traffic law enforcement: Many regions now have exhaust emission testing points, similar to speed detection. If a vehicle is found to exceed emission standards, it may face penalties.

[JasonMarie]

As a regular car owner who drives frequently, I have quite a bit to say about the China 5 vehicle issue. The China 5 emission standard was implemented in 2016, primarily targeting diesel vehicles to reduce nitrogen oxide pollution. In fact, many China 5 diesel vehicles genuinely don’t require urea solution, especially those equipped with Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems. For example, I’ve driven some light-duty trucks and compact SUVs that were designed to process exhaust directly through EGR technology, eliminating the need for the urea tank required by SCR systems. This is very convenient and cost-effective, as adding urea is both troublesome and expensive. From forum discussions, I’ve seen fellow drivers share that these vehicles perform well in urban commuting. However, be cautious—such vehicles may have slightly lower fuel efficiency and slightly increased emissions during long-distance highway driving. For long-term use, regular maintenance of the exhaust system is crucial, such as cleaning the particulate filter to prevent clogging. Overall, among China 5 vehicles, this urea-free option exists, so it’s best to check the manual or confirm with the dealer before purchasing.

[SanJulia]

China's National V emission standards impose stringent requirements on diesel vehicles, but not all models rely on urea. Having studied automotive technology myself, I've found that some vehicle models can meet the standards by utilizing EGR combined with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) system, eliminating the need for urea addition. For instance, certain domestically produced compact diesel engines were designed to skip the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) step, avoiding the hassle of urea shortages. The advantage is simplified maintenance, sparing owners the trouble of regular urea refills; the drawback is that EGR might lead to a slight increase in fuel consumption. In my opinion, when making a choice, one can compare vehicle specifications—urea-equipped models offer more precise emission control, while urea-free options are more practical. Under the National V standards, manufacturers have introduced diverse solutions to comply with environmental regulations, so such urea-independent alternatives do exist. However, selection should be based on matching performance with actual usage needs.

[LeHarrison]

I just bought a National V diesel car and was curious whether it needs urea. After checking the information, I learned that some National V cars indeed don't require it, especially those using EGR technology. The engine handles pollution issues internally. When I asked experts at the dealership, they said this design is common in small cars and is very convenient. The car manual will specify it—if there's no urea tank, no need to bother. Under the National V standard, some cars are urea-free.