Is China VI Standard Equivalent to China 6?
2 Answers
China VI standard is equivalent to China 6, which represents the new phase of vehicle emission standards in China. The main changes in the China 6 standard include: 1. Modification of the Type I test cycle, stricter pollutant emission limits, and the addition of particulate matter quantity measurement requirements for gasoline vehicles; 2. Introduction of real-world driving emission test requirements, designated as Type II test, while canceling the original Type II test; 3. Addition of test items for Type VI test with stricter limits; 4. Revision of technical requirements for on-board diagnostic (OBD) system monitoring items, thresholds, and monitoring conditions; 5. Revision of requirements for obtaining vehicle OBD system and vehicle maintenance and repair information; 6. Revision of technical requirements for test fuels; 7. Addition of pollutant emission control requirements during refueling; 8. Addition of test requirements for hybrid electric vehicles.
As an average car owner, I often get asked questions like this. The China V standard is actually the China 5 emission standard, not China 6. China 5 represents the fifth phase of vehicle emission control requirements that started around 2013, mainly targeting the reduction of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter to make vehicle exhaust cleaner during operation. China 6 is the newer sixth phase, implemented in stages since 2017 with stricter requirements, including real-world driving tests and further reduction of pollutants like hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. Simply put, China V is the older standard while China 6 is the upgraded version. Nowadays, when buying new cars, vehicles with China 6 labeling are more environmentally friendly and can avoid urban driving restrictions. For example, first-tier cities like Beijing have already imposed strict controls on pre-China 3 vehicles, and China 5 vehicles may face restrictions in the future. Choosing China 6 vehicles is more cost-effective in the long run and reduces daily driving hassles. When purchasing a car, it's advisable to check the emission label to avoid confusing these two standards.
