How to Distinguish Between China 5 and China 6 Emission Standards?
2 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.