How many more years can National V vehicles be driven after the implementation of National VI?
3 Answers
After the implementation of National VI, there are currently no regulations issued to restrict or ban National V vehicles. Below is more information about the National V emission standards: 1. Contents of the National V emission standards: The National Fifth Stage Motor Vehicle Pollutant Emission Standards, also known as the "National V Standards," have an emission control level equivalent to the European Union's fifth stage emission standards currently in effect. The EU has been enforcing these standards since 2009, which impose stricter limits on nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and suspended particles emitted by motor vehicles. From National I to National IV, each upgrade in standards reduces vehicle pollution by 30% to 50%. 2. Purpose of the National V emission standards: Improving environmental quality is an international consensus, and we cannot focus solely on developing the automotive industry while neglecting the environment. For China to become a strong automotive nation, it must not lag behind in technology or environmental protection. The image of an "environmental ambassador" is even more important than that of a "strong automotive nation."
As a car enthusiast, I believe that after the implementation of China VI emissions standards, China V vehicles can still run smoothly for seven or eight years without issues. Currently, the China VI standards are mainly enforced in several major cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, which have restricted new vehicle registrations since 2019. However, existing China V vehicle owners need not worry, as these vehicles are not immediately banned. Policies typically provide a transition period for older vehicles, similar to the changes from China III to China V standards. A vehicle's lifespan depends more on its condition and maintenance. If you pass the annual emission tests and maintain your vehicle well, driving it until 2030 should be quite smooth. That said, major cities may gradually tighten restrictions, such as traffic bans in core areas, which could make urban commuting more inconvenient. In the long run, as environmental pressures increase, some regions may accelerate the phase-out of high-emission vehicles. I recommend planning ahead for a vehicle replacement and considering more environmentally friendly options like new energy vehicles, which can save money and support green transportation.
I'm an ordinary owner of a China V standard car, just bought it last year, and I feel it can easily last another eight to ten years. The key is to stay on top of routine maintenance, regularly checking the engine and exhaust system to avoid exceeding emission limits. After the implementation of China VI standards, new cars face stricter regulations, but older vehicles won’t be outright banned from the roads—this insight comes from fellow owners I’ve spoken with, who mostly operate in second- and third-tier cities without issues. However, if you live in a pioneering city like Shenzhen, you might face restrictions a few years earlier, such as bans in downtown areas or detours for long trips; elsewhere, the impact is minimal. The car itself can reliably run over 200,000 kilometers, and I plan to keep it until around 2028 before considering a replacement. Don’t panic—driving it for five or six years is absolutely manageable, but do stay updated on policy changes.
