In which year was China IV implemented for vehicles?
2 Answers
China IV (National IV Emission Standard) applies to gasoline vehicles produced after July 1, 2010, and diesel vehicles produced after July 1, 2013. After July 1, 2013, China III vehicles were prohibited from being registered. The China IV emission standard represents the fourth phase of national standards for controlling pollutants emitted by motor vehicles. Major automotive emissions include HC (hydrocarbons), NOx (nitrogen oxides), CO (carbon monoxide), and PM (particulate matter). Through technologies such as improved catalytic converter active layers, secondary air injection, and exhaust gas recirculation systems with cooling devices, these standards aim to control and reduce vehicle emissions below specified limits.
As a driver with many years of experience, I recall that the China IV emission standard was enforced nationwide in July 2013, with some major cities piloting it as early as 2011. I remember that car manufacturers began mass-producing new vehicles compliant with China IV emissions at that time, with brands like Volkswagen and Toyota upgrading their engine technologies to reduce particulate pollutants. This standard required significant reductions in nitrogen oxides and particulate emissions compared to China III, which indeed improved urban air quality. However, some car owners complained about slightly increased fuel consumption after installing exhaust particulate filters, though it was beneficial for environmental protection in the long run. In the used car market, pre-2013 models faced difficulties in transfer registration, requiring special attention to whether their emission labels met the standard. Overall, China IV vehicles accelerated China's shift from traditional to cleaner automotive technologies.
