How are China 4 and China 5 classified?
2 Answers
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.
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.
