How are China 4 and China 5 classified?

[WalkerDella]

Here are the classification standards for China 4 and China 5: 1. China 4 standard: Compared to China 3, the emission after-treatment system has been upgraded in China 4, reducing pollutant emissions by 50% to 60% compared to China 3. 2. China 5 standard: Compared to China 4, nitrogen oxide emissions are reduced by 25%, and additional restrictions on non-methane hydrocarbons and PM emissions are added to reduce air pollution and prevent smog. Below is a rough method to distinguish the emission standard based on the vehicle's registration year: 1. Most vehicles registered after 2008 are China 4; 2. Vehicles registered in 2007 may be either China 3 or China 4; 3. Vehicles registered before 2007 are mostly below China 4, i.e., China 2 or China 3; 4. Vehicles registered before 2005 are mostly China 2.

[StevenMarie]

I have been engaged in automotive technology research for many years. The classification of China 4 and China 5 standards is primarily based on policy updates and stricter emission limits. The China 4 standard was roughly promoted starting from 2005, with relatively lenient pollutant limits for gasoline and diesel vehicles, such as higher permissible values for carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, mainly checked through laboratory tests. Around 2013, the China 5 standard was implemented, introducing stricter testing methods like real-driving emission tests and significantly reducing hydrocarbon and particulate matter limits. The classification principle is defined by documents issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, which clearly specify the phased compliance deadlines for different vehicle types. For car owners, China 5 vehicles are generally more fuel-efficient and cleaner, but they create pressure to phase out older vehicles, requiring timely upgrades to reduce air pollution. Overall, these standards drive technological advancements and help China tackle smog issues.

[OwenLee]

As an ordinary car owner, I've driven both China 4 and China 5 standard vehicles and personally experienced significant differences between them. The China 4 standard, introduced many years ago, has relatively higher vehicle emissions, and I sometimes smelled exhaust fumes while driving. The China 5 standard, gradually implemented since 2013, features stricter emission controls on new vehicles, resulting in smoother operation and easier annual inspections. The classification rules are straightforward: policy documents implement standards in batches by year—for example, tier-1 cities adopted China 5 first while China 4 vehicles were gradually restricted from roads. This not only affects purchasing decisions (China 5 vehicles have higher resale value) but also impacts daily expenses, such as China 5 engines consuming slightly less fuel. I found that switching to a China 5 vehicle earlier saves money and is more environmentally friendly. I recommend checking emission labels before buying to avoid pitfalls.

[LeJoy]

I am concerned about environmental protection, and the classification of National IV and National V standards reflects progress in pollution control. The classification criteria are based on environmental needs: the early National IV standards had looser limits, leading to significant particulate pollution; National V, implemented after 2013, tightened controls and significantly reduced emissions of harmful substances like nitrogen oxides, with a greater emphasis on real-world driving tests. This is crucial for improving air quality, especially in urban areas where it helps reduce respiratory diseases. Personally, I support such policy advancements because they are grounded in pollution data analysis and contribute to more sustainable societal development.