Can National IV be Upgraded to National V?
2 Answers
National IV vehicles cannot be upgraded to National V standards. This is because the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the vehicle's record in the environmental protection department cannot be altered. Even if parts of the vehicle that do not meet emission standards are replaced and the calibration data is adjusted to technically comply with the emission standards, the state does not recognize such operations. The records in the environmental protection department and the vehicle management office will still show that this is a vehicle that does not meet emission standards. Concept: The National IV emission standard is the fourth stage of China's motor vehicle pollutant emission standards. The main pollutants emitted by vehicles include HC (hydrocarbons), NOx (nitrogen oxides), CO (carbon monoxide), and PM (particulate matter). Through the application of technologies such as improved catalytic converter active layers, secondary air injection, and exhaust gas recirculation systems with cooling devices, the standard aims to control and reduce vehicle emissions to below specified levels. Emission: National IV standard buses will no longer have 'black tails.'
I've been repairing cars for over a decade and have encountered many car owners asking whether it's possible to upgrade from China IV to China V emission standards. In practical terms, it's basically impossible. The China V standard requires stricter emission controls, such as upgrading the catalytic converter, recalibrating the software system, and making major modifications to the entire exhaust pipeline, with costs easily exceeding tens of thousands of yuan. I've seen several cases at the garage where, after spending money on these modifications, the vehicles still failed the emission tests and had to undergo annual inspections based on the original China IV standard. The key issue is that national regulations stipulate that vehicle emission standards are determined by the factory certification, and modifications won't change the registration information. Local governments enforce these rules strictly, and traffic restriction policies in large and medium-sized cities only consider the original standard. Therefore, it's best not to consider upgrading—it's a waste of money and can negatively impact engine performance. It's better to directly replace your car with a new China V or China VI model, which offers higher fuel efficiency and a smoother, more environmentally friendly driving experience.
