How to Distinguish Between China IV and China V?

[LaJackson]

China IV and China V vehicles can be distinguished as follows: 1. For vehicles that have already obtained the environmental inspection compliance label, the emission standard can be checked on the original or duplicate of the label. Alternatively, you can log in to the Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection Website and enter the vehicle model and engine model in the New Vehicle Compliance Query System. 2. According to the national plan, the China VI emission standard is scheduled to be implemented on July 1, 2020, only three years after the full implementation of the China V standard. In some key regions, such as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area and surrounding regions, the Yangtze River Delta region, the Fenwei Plain, the Pearl River Delta, and the Chengdu-Chongqing region, the China VI emission standard will be implemented ahead of schedule. 3. Compared to the current China V standard, the threshold for the China VI standard has been raised by nearly 50%, and it is slightly higher than the current strictest international emission limit—the Euro VI standard. Once the China VI standard is officially implemented, it will become the strictest motor vehicle emission standard in the world.

[LaIsabelle]

I've driven many cars, and recalling the difference between China IV and China V standards, it mainly comes down to the timeline. China IV was implemented for vehicles roughly between 2010 and 2017, with relatively looser emission standards when driving. In contrast, China V, introduced from 2017 onwards, imposes much stricter requirements. Specifically, China V sets significantly lower limits for exhaust pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, requiring cars to be equipped with better filtration systems. When I bought a car, older China IV models faced more frequent annual inspections and urban driving restrictions, while China V vehicles enjoyed more freedom with cleaner emissions and fewer hassles. Don’t underestimate this—it affects fuel prices and maintenance costs. Nowadays, China IV cars depreciate quickly in the market, and selling them secondhand is particularly troublesome.

[Teagan]

Talking about the difference between China IV and China V standards, simply put, it's an upgrade in emission requirements. I've noticed China V is stricter than China IV - for example, pollutant emissions are reduced by over 30%, and vehicles use advanced catalytic converters to treat exhaust more thoroughly. During my routine test drives of new cars, the difference is noticeable: China V compliant vehicles have quieter engine starts and odorless exhaust, whereas China IV cars emit more during highway driving. Remember to check the environmental label - the letter V indicates China V, while IV represents China IV. This upgrade makes vehicles more efficient with slightly lower fuel consumption, saving money in the long run.

[VanJoanna]

After years of car ownership, I've experienced the practical differences between China IV and China V standards in daily life. China V vehicles emit cleaner exhaust, resulting in no unpleasant odors inside the car while driving, whereas China IV models tend to have slightly stronger toxic fumes and often face driving restrictions. Choosing the wrong standard when purchasing can be costly and troublesome. Technically speaking, the upgraded emission standards mean stronger filtration systems, easier maintenance, and improved safety and reliability.