How to Distinguish Between China 5 and China 6 Vehicles?

[StColton]

To distinguish between China 5 and China 6 vehicles, look at the emission standard letters on the rear of the car. China 5 is represented by 'V,' while China 6 is represented by 'VI.' The differences between the two are as follows: Different Emission Standards: China 6 emission standards are more than 30% stricter than China 5. Under the exclusion of working conditions and testing influences, 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, as the fifth phase of national motor vehicle emission standards. The China 6 standard was implemented on July 1, 2019. Different Principles: Under the China 5 standard, diesel and gasoline vehicles had different emission standards. However, 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,' while China 6 is represented by 'VI.' Different Monitoring Requirements for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): Compared to China 5, China 6 has improved monitoring requirements for PHEVs, including energy storage systems, thermal management systems, brake regeneration, drive motors, generators, and other regulatory aspects. China 5 Standard Limits: 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. Details are 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 (particulate matter) 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 (particulate matter) per kilometer driven. Affected by the China 6 emission policy, although China 5 vehicles are not currently restricted in normal use (no driving or license plate restrictions), their resale value will be significantly impacted. For truck owners, if they purchase a truck on loan for cargo transport, after paying off the loan, the vehicle's depreciation equates 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 their longer service life and greater road rights, offer more advantages.

[Crystal]

I usually drive to work and need to figure out whether my car meets the China 5 or China 6 emission standards, as this directly affects whether I can smoothly enter the city without being restricted by traffic control. The China 6 version is the cleaner emission standard, and it's easy to distinguish: check the environmental label at the bottom left corner of the windshield—if it says N6, it's China 6. The production date is also helpful; most new cars produced after 2019 meet the China 6 standard, especially in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai, which implemented the requirements earlier. A friend of mine bought a China 5 car and always complained about being blocked from entering the city. Now, with stricter policies, many areas restrict China 5 vehicles. During maintenance, the mechanic mentioned that China 6 cars have more complex exhaust systems, costing a bit more but benefiting long-term health and cleaner air, making drives more worry-free. Don’t just rely on the seller’s claims—check for yourself to avoid trouble.