How to Distinguish Between China 5 and China 6 When Buying a Car

[AxelLee]

The differences between China 5 and China 6 emission standards are as follows: Different Emission Standards: The China 6 emission standard is more than 30% stricter than China 5. Excluding the influence of driving conditions and testing, gasoline vehicles' carbon monoxide emissions are reduced by 50%, total hydrocarbon and non-methane hydrocarbon 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 stage of the national motor vehicle emission standard. The China 6 standard has been implemented since July 1, 2019. Different Principles: During the China 5 phase, 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: 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 regulations. 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 driving restrictions or license plate limitations, their resale value will be significantly impacted. For car owners, if they purchase a truck for freight transport with a loan, the vehicle's depreciation after paying off 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, which have a longer lifespan and more road rights, are more advantageous.