Is National VI the same as China 6?
2 Answers
National VI is China 6, which is the latest phase of China's automotive emission standards. The China 6 standard was released in 2016 and was planned to fully replace the current China 5 standard starting from July 1, 2020. The full name and designation of the China 6 standard is: "Limits and Measurement Methods for Emissions from Light-duty Vehicles (China 6)" (GB18352.6—2016). Here is some relevant information: 1. The China 6 standard is also formulated with reference to the EU emission standards and has introduced a phased implementation plan. The first phase, China 6a, will replace the China 5 standard starting from July 1, 2020; the second phase, China 6b, will replace the China 6a standard starting from July 1, 2023. 2. The China 6 standard was released by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine on December 23, 2016, and June 22, 2018, respectively. The implementation of the China 6 standard will impose stricter requirements on emissions such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons.
When I was researching car purchases recently, I learned that 'Guo VI' is actually another name for the China 6 emission standard. The government started implementing this new standard in 2019 with the aim of reducing vehicle exhaust pollution and improving air quality. Guo VI is divided into two phases: China 6a and China 6b. The former is relatively more lenient, while the latter has stricter requirements, particularly for particulate matter and nitrogen oxide limits. Most new cars on the market now comply with the China 6b standard. When buying a car, you can check the environmental label or the manual for the identification—if it shows 'Guo VI,' it means it's a China 6-compliant vehicle. After optimizing the powertrain, the fuel consumption won't increase much, and it's much more environmentally friendly. As an ordinary driver, I think adhering to this standard is great—it helps us protect the environment and makes urban air cleaner. Don’t forget to check local policies, as some cities restrict older, high-emission vehicles from being driven.
