In which year did the China IV emission standard apply to vehicles?
3 Answers
China IV emission standard was initially implemented on July 1, 2010, and remained in effect until July 1, 2017, when China V emission standard was fully implemented nationwide. Therefore, vehicles produced between 2011 and 2017 generally comply with the China IV emission standard. However, this is not an absolute rule, as the timing of emission standard implementation varies across different regions in China. Below is some relevant information: 1. Methods to check a vehicle's emission standard: You can refer to the vehicle's factory certificate or the environmental inspection compliance label to identify its emission standard, or you can log in to the 'Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection Website' to inquire. 2. Definition of China IV emission standard: The China IV emission standard represents the fourth stage of national standards for motor vehicle pollutant emissions. The main pollutants emitted by vehicles include HC (hydrocarbons), NOx (nitrogen oxides), CO (carbon monoxide), and PM (particulate matter). By employing technologies such as improved catalytic converter active layers, secondary air injection, and exhaust gas recirculation systems with cooling devices, the standard aims to control and reduce vehicle emissions to levels below specified limits.
I recall that the China IV emission standards were implemented nationwide around 2011, with slight variations in the exact timing depending on the vehicle type. For instance, light-duty diesel vehicles became mandatory from July 2011, while heavy-duty gasoline vehicles were phased in a bit earlier. At that time, I was driving an old car and noticed that new vehicles had to display updated labels, reducing smoke emissions with stricter controls, especially for carbon monoxide and particulate matter. The transition from China III to China IV involved technological upgrades that made engines more environmentally friendly, prompting some automakers to adopt new catalytic converters. Nowadays, when buying a used car, checking the nameplate or VIN number can help identify if it's a China IV-compliant vehicle—most models produced after 2011 likely meet this standard. This also impacts traffic restriction policies, as older cars might be barred from entering core areas in major cities, so it's advisable to opt for newer, more reliable models.
As someone who closely follows automotive developments, the National IV emission standards were actually implemented around 2011 and gradually rolled out nationwide. At that time, the standards required higher purification efficiency, making particulate filters standard equipment, which significantly reduced exhaust emissions. I noticed that automakers began adjusting new vehicles as early as 2010, but it wasn't until 2011 when they were mass-produced that the standards truly became widespread. Compared to National III, pollution was reduced by about 30%, and the improvement in air quality was evident. Nowadays, when buying a used car, checking the emission label or the notation on the registration certificate will show that vehicles produced in 2011 generally meet the standards. In the long run, such standards drive technological iterations and affect the resale value of used cars.
