How to Distinguish Between China 5 and China 6 Emission Standards?
4 Answers
The differences between China 5 and China 6 emission standards are as follows: Different Emission Standards: China 6 is at least 30% stricter than China 5. Excluding the influence of driving conditions and testing, gasoline vehicles under China 6 must reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 50%, total hydrocarbons and non-methane hydrocarbons by 50%, and nitrogen oxide emissions by 42%. Different Implementation Times: The China 5 standard was implemented nationwide on January 1, 2017, while China 6 has been in effect since July 1, 2019. Different Principles: Under China 5, diesel and gasoline vehicles had different emission standards, but China 6 adopts a fuel-neutral principle, meaning the same emission limits apply regardless of fuel type. Different Issuing Authorities: China 5 was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, while China 6 was jointly issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine. Different Letter Representations: China 5 is denoted by "V," whereas China 6 is denoted by "VI." Different Monitoring Requirements for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): Compared to China 5, China 6 enhances monitoring requirements for PHEVs, including energy storage systems, thermal management systems, brake regeneration, drive motors, generators, and other regulatory aspects. China 5 Emission Limits: Gasoline vehicles must not exceed 1000 mg of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Non-methane hydrocarbons must not exceed 68 mg per kilometer. Nitrogen oxides must not exceed 60 mg per kilometer. PM (particulate matter) must not exceed 4.5 mg per kilometer. China 6 has two sub-standards: China 6a and China 6b, as follows: China 6a Emission Limits: Gasoline vehicles must not exceed 700 mg of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Non-methane hydrocarbons must not exceed 68 mg per kilometer. Nitrogen oxides must not exceed 60 mg per kilometer. PM must not exceed 4.5 mg per kilometer. China 6b Emission Limits: Gasoline vehicles must not exceed 500 mg of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Non-methane hydrocarbons must not exceed 35 mg per kilometer. Nitrogen oxides must not exceed 35 mg per kilometer. PM must not exceed 3 mg per kilometer. Due to the impact of China 6 emission policies, although China 5 vehicles are not currently restricted in normal use (no driving bans or license plate restrictions), their resale value is significantly affected. For car owners, if they purchase a truck for freight transport via a loan, the depreciation of the vehicle after paying off the loan directly impacts their net profit during that period. A higher residual value means greater earnings for the owner. From this perspective, China 6 vehicles, with longer usability and more road privileges, offer greater advantages.
As an ordinary person who frequents car forums, I believe the key to distinguishing between China 5 and China 6 standards lies in the environmental regulations and implementation timelines. The China 6 standard was rolled out starting in 2019, divided into two phases—China 6a and China 6b—with China 6b being more stringent. When buying a car, simply check the emission level marked on the nameplate near the front passenger seat or scan the QR code on the environmental label. For instance, China 5 vehicles have a nitrogen oxide (NOx) limit of around 180mg/km, while China 6 reduces it to below 70mg/km, with significantly lower particulate matter emissions. Driving a China 6-compliant car grants access to more urban core zones, as many areas now restrict China 5 vehicles. I recommend opting directly for a China 6b car—though pricier, it holds better resale value and is more eco-friendly. Maintenance requires using specified fuels to avoid clogging the exhaust system. Ultimately, the differences are straightforward to verify through national policies.
I've been repairing cars for over a decade and understand the fundamental differences between China 5 and China 6 standards in technical details. The China 6 standard enhances the onboard diagnostic system, such as real-time OBD emission monitoring to prevent excessive emissions from slipping through. In terms of emission limits, the China 5 standard sets the carbon monoxide limit at 1000mg/km, while China 6 reduces it to 500, making it more stringent. New vehicles come with an environmental information sheet, and you can easily check it using mobile apps like 'Auto Environmental Protection'. Driving a China 6 vehicle requires using specialized engine oil and catalytic converters; otherwise, it may easily trigger the dashboard warning light. From a user's perspective, China 6 vehicles might start slightly slower but are quieter, and their lower emissions significantly benefit urban air quality. When buying a car, don't just focus on fuel consumption; checking the vehicle identification number against the certificate to confirm the standard is crucial.
I'm an environmental enthusiast, and China VI is a huge improvement over China V, with much cleaner emissions that significantly reduce smog. The nitrogen oxide limits for China VI are 50% lower than China V, and particulate matter is also halved, which are measures by the country to promote green mobility. The difference lies in the environmental rating registered at the DMV or the model year—new cars after 2019 are mostly China VI. When buying a used car, remember to check the Vehicle Conformity Certificate; avoid those marked as China V in restricted zones. Driving a China VI car feels better, and maintenance is simple as long as you use qualified fuel.
