How to Differentiate Between China 5 and China 6?

[LaZoe]

The differences between China 5 and China 6 emission standards are as follows: Different Emission Standards: China 6 emission standards are more than 30% stricter than China 5. Excluding the influence of working 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 China 5 standard was implemented nationwide on January 1, 2017. China 6 has been implemented since July 1, 2019. Different Principles: During the China 5 phase, diesel and gasoline vehicles had different emission standards, but China 6 adopts a fuel-neutral principle, meaning the emission limits are the same regardless of the fuel type. Different Issuing Authorities: The China 5 standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection. The China 6 standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine. Different Letter Representations: China 5 is represented by 'V'; China 6 is represented by 'VI'. Different Monitoring Requirements for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles: Compared to China 5, China 6 has improved monitoring requirements for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, including energy storage systems, thermal management systems, brake regeneration, drive motors, generators, and other regulatory aspects. Different Prices: China 6 vehicles are equipped with more components than China 5 vehicles. Additionally, automobile manufacturers face additional costs from vehicle declaration tests and production, leading to significantly higher prices for China 6 vehicles compared to China 5 vehicles. Different Scrap Time Limits: Although the national scrap time limit has been abolished, older vehicles will be banned from roads, effectively rendering them scrapped. For example, a China 5 vehicle purchased in January 2019 and a China 6 vehicle purchased at the same time will both have a 15-year registration period, but their actual usage will differ. For instance, 2010 China 3 and China 4 vehicles can still operate in Beijing, but as more cities impose restrictions, many older vehicles become practically scrapped. Thus, even for vehicles of the same year, the time limits differ. China 5 standard limits are as follows: 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. China 6 has two standards: China 6a and China 6b, as follows: China 6a 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. China 6b 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 China 6 emission policy, although China 5 vehicles can still be used normally without restrictions on driving or license plates, their resale value will be significantly impacted. For truck owners, if they purchase a truck on loan for cargo transport, the depreciation of the vehicle after repaying the loan is equivalent to the net profit earned during that period. A higher residual value means more profit for the owner. Therefore, from this perspective, China 6 vehicles, with longer usable lifespans and more road rights, offer greater advantages.

[LeBrantley]

I've been into cars for many years and have studied the differences between China V and China VI standards in detail. The main differences lie in emission standards and technical specifications. China V, an earlier standard, sets limits for carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides, tested using the NEDC cycle to simulate urban driving conditions, but with less stringent pollutant control. China VI, divided into phases a and b, implements stricter limits in phase b, including monitoring of particulate numbers, and adopts the WLTP testing method to more accurately reflect real-world driving emissions. Vehicles are equipped with additional sensors and exhaust treatment devices. These changes make China VI vehicles more environmentally friendly overall but also increase technical complexity. When buying a used car, it's best to check the vehicle conformity certificate or decode the VIN to confirm the version to avoid confusion.