Differences Between National V and National VI Emission Standards for Sedans

[McAnastasia]

The differences between National V and National VI emission standards are as follows: Different Emission Standards: National VI emission standards are more than 30% stricter than National V. Excluding the influence of driving conditions and testing, gasoline vehicles' carbon monoxide emissions are reduced by 50%, total hydrocarbons and non-methane hydrocarbons emissions are reduced by 50%, and nitrogen oxide emissions are reduced by 42%. Different Implementation Times: The National V standard was implemented nationwide on January 1, 2017, as the fifth stage of national motor vehicle emission standards. National VI has been implemented since July 1, 2019. Different Principles: During the National V phase, diesel and gasoline vehicles had different emission standards. However, National VI adopts a fuel-neutral principle, meaning that regardless of the fuel type, the emission limits are the same. Different Issuing Authorities: The National V standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection. The National VI standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine. Different Letter Representations: National V is represented by the letter V, while National VI is represented by VI. Different Monitoring Requirements for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): Compared to National V, National VI has improved monitoring requirements for PHEVs, including energy storage systems, thermal management systems, brake regeneration, drive motors, generators, and other regulatory aspects. National V Standard Limits: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 1,000 milligrams of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 68 milligrams of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 60 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 4.5 milligrams of PM (particulate matter) per kilometer driven. National VI has two standards: National VIa and National VIb, as follows: National VIa Standard Limits: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 700 milligrams of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 68 milligrams of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 60 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 4.5 milligrams of PM per kilometer driven. National VIb Standard Limits: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 500 milligrams of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 35 milligrams of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 35 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 3 milligrams of PM per kilometer driven. Affected by the National VI emission policy, although National V vehicles are not currently restricted in normal use, without driving bans or license plate restrictions, their resale value will be significantly impacted. For car owners, if they purchase a truck on loan for cargo transport, the vehicle's depreciation after paying off the loan is equivalent to the net profit earned by the owner during that period. A higher residual value means more profit for the owner. Therefore, from this perspective, National VI vehicles, with longer service life and more road rights, have more advantages.

[SanIsaac]

I've driven quite a few cars and personally experienced the significant differences between China 5 and China 6 emission standards. The most noticeable change is in emission control – China 6 standards are much stricter, cutting nitrogen oxide emissions by nearly half and reducing particulate matter too. When driving China 6 compliant vehicles, I noticed the engine runs quieter with smoother acceleration, but they cost 10,000-20,000 yuan more and require more complicated maintenance, with frequent trips to the repair shop for DPF filter cleaning. The dealership told me China 6 has two phases (a and b) – phase a was transitional while phase b is more stringent, and now most new cars meet China 6b standards. Older China 5 vehicles face registration difficulties in cities with driving restrictions – like my friend who sold his car last year and suffered rapid depreciation with terrible resale value. Environmentally, China 6 does improve air quality with less smog, but the higher vehicle replacement cost means budget-conscious buyers need to weigh options carefully. China 5 cars are still drivable, just less economical long-term.