How to distinguish between China V and China VI for A4L?

[SanKathryn]

The differences between China V and China VI emission standards are as follows: Different emission standards: China VI emission standards are more than 30% stricter than China V. Excluding the influence of working conditions and testing, the carbon monoxide emissions of gasoline vehicles are reduced by 50%, the total hydrocarbon and non-methane hydrocarbon emissions are reduced by 50%, and nitrogen oxide emissions are reduced by 42%. Different implementation times: The China V standard has been implemented nationwide since January 1, 2017. China VI has been implemented since July 1, 2019. Different principles: During the China V phase, the emission standards for diesel vehicles and gasoline vehicles were different. However, China VI adopts a fuel-neutral principle, meaning that regardless of the fuel used, the emission limits are the same. Different issuing departments: The China V standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection. The China VI standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine. Different letter representations: China V is represented by 'V'; China VI is represented by 'VI'. Different monitoring requirements for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: Compared to China V, China VI 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 V 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 fine particles per kilometer driven. China VI has two standards: China VIa and China VIb. The details are as follows: China VIa 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 fine particles per kilometer driven. China VIb 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 fine particles per kilometer driven. Affected by the China VI emission policy, although China V vehicles are not currently restricted from normal use, such as travel or license plate restrictions, the resale value of the vehicles will be significantly impacted. For car owners, if they purchase a truck on loan for cargo transport, after repaying the loan, the depreciation of the vehicle is equivalent to the net profit earned by the owner during that period. A higher residual value means more profit for the owner. Therefore, from this perspective, China VI vehicles, which have a longer service life and more road rights, are more advantageous.

[ValeriaDella]

As someone who frequently ponders over my beloved car, I believe the key to distinguishing between China 5 and China 6 emission standards for the A4L lies in the details. First, check the production year: China 5 models are typically pre-2020 vehicles, while China 6 became mainstream after 2020. Examine the 10th character of the VIN on the vehicle's nameplate – the letter 'L' indicates 2020, which most likely corresponds to China 6. Also, check the environmental label on the conformity certificate or registration document, which will clearly state whether it meets China 5 or China 6 standards. The China 6 A4L usually has additional equipment like particulate filters for stricter emission control, whereas China 5 models are simpler. When buying, don't just focus on price – China 6 cars retain value better and are more environmentally friendly, though maintenance might be slightly costlier. Having personally compared a 2022 A4L, I noticed it clearly has more sensor details, runs quieter, and the differences are noticeable.