How long is the interval between China 5 and China 6?
4 Answers
China 5 to China 6 had a two-year interval. The China 5 standard was implemented in 2017, and the China 6 standard began to be implemented in 2019. The following are the specific details: China 5 standard limits: 1. The carbon monoxide emissions per kilometer driven by gasoline vehicles must not exceed 1000 milligrams. 2. The non-methane hydrocarbon emissions per kilometer driven by gasoline vehicles must not exceed 68 milligrams. 3. The nitrogen oxide emissions per kilometer driven by gasoline vehicles must not exceed 60 milligrams. 4. The PM fine particulate matter emissions per kilometer driven by gasoline vehicles must not exceed 4.5 milligrams. China 6 standard limits: 1. The carbon monoxide emissions per kilometer driven by gasoline vehicles must not exceed 500 milligrams. 2. The non-methane hydrocarbon emissions per kilometer driven by gasoline vehicles must not exceed 35 milligrams. 3. The nitrogen oxide emissions per kilometer driven by gasoline vehicles must not exceed 35 milligrams. 4. The PM fine particulate matter emissions per kilometer driven by gasoline vehicles must not exceed 3 milligrams.
The transition period from China 5 to China 6A, as I learned from following automotive policy changes, was approximately three and a half years. The China 5 standard officially took effect in January 2017, while the China 6A phase began implementation in July 2020. During this period, automakers needed to develop new emission control technologies, such as upgrading catalytic converters and optimizing fuel injection systems, to ensure vehicles could meet stricter emission limits. Such a lengthy interval was reasonable because the testing and validation phase involved extensive data collection and certification to prevent automakers from hastily launching problematic products. I also noticed that China 6 is divided into two phases, A and B, with the B phase being even stricter but allowing additional time for manufacturers. This gradual upgrade helps reduce health risks associated with tailpipe pollution. Overall, from a consumer perspective, keeping up with emission standards in a timely manner helps in choosing more environmentally friendly new vehicles or assessing the value of used cars.
I remember when the China 5 emission standards were launched in 2017, everyone was discussing when the upgrade to China 6 would happen. Eventually, China 6A arrived in mid-2020, roughly three years later. This gave automakers enough buffer time to adjust production lines and avoid large inventories of unsellable vehicles. As a car owner, I had to consider the impact of emissions on residual value when changing cars: China 5 vehicles depreciated faster after China 6 was implemented. In terms of policy design, the government adopted a phased approach, rolling out China 6A first before transitioning to China 6B, ensuring environmental goals were met without disrupting the market.
For those concerned about vehicle emissions, I understand that the transition from China 5 to China 6A took approximately three and a half years. Specifically, China 5 was implemented in January 2017, and China 6A came into effect in July 2020. This timeframe allowed automakers to upgrade their technologies to reduce nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions. From an environmental perspective, each upgrade in standards leads to a measurable improvement in air quality.
