The Actual Differences Between China 5 and China 6 Emission Standards

[MacCamila]

The differences between China 5 and China 6 emission standards are as follows: Different emission standards: China 6 is more than 30% stricter than China 5. Excluding the influence of driving conditions and testing, gasoline vehicles under China 6 must reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 50%, total hydrocarbons and non-methane hydrocarbons by 50%, and nitrogen oxide emissions by 42% compared to China 5. Different implementation times: The China 5 standard was implemented nationwide on January 1, 2017. China 6 has been in effect since July 1, 2019. Different principles: Under China 5, diesel and gasoline vehicles had different emission standards, but China 6 adopts a fuel-neutral principle, meaning the emission limits are the same regardless of the fuel type. Different issuing authorities: China 5 was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, while China 6 was jointly issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine. Different letter representations: China 5 is denoted by "V," whereas China 6 is denoted by "VI." Different monitoring requirements for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs): Compared to China 5, China 6 has enhanced monitoring requirements for PHEVs, including energy storage systems, thermal management systems, brake regeneration, drive motors, generators, and other regulatory aspects. China 5 emission limits are as follows: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 1,000 mg of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Non-methane hydrocarbon emissions must not exceed 68 mg per kilometer. Nitrogen oxide emissions must not exceed 60 mg per kilometer. PM (particulate matter) emissions must not exceed 4.5 mg per kilometer. China 6 has two sub-standards: China 6a and China 6b, with the following limits: China 6a emission limits: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 700 mg of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Non-methane hydrocarbon emissions must not exceed 68 mg per kilometer. Nitrogen oxide emissions must not exceed 60 mg per kilometer. PM emissions must not exceed 4.5 mg per kilometer. China 6b emission limits: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 500 mg of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Non-methane hydrocarbon emissions must not exceed 35 mg per kilometer. Nitrogen oxide emissions must not exceed 35 mg per kilometer. PM emissions must not exceed 3 mg per kilometer. Affected by the China 6 emission policy, although China 5 vehicles can still be used normally without traffic restrictions, their resale value will be significantly impacted. For truck owners, if they purchase a truck on loan for cargo transport, the depreciation of the vehicle after paying off the loan is equivalent to the net profit earned during that period. A higher residual value means more profit for the owner. From this perspective, China 6 vehicles, with longer service life and better road access, offer greater advantages.

[LeilaniRose]

As an ordinary person who drives frequently, I think the main practical difference between China 5 and China 6 emission standards lies in stricter regulations. China 6 vehicles produce less pollution, with significantly lower limits on nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions compared to China 5, making them much better for air quality. When you buy a new car, China 6 models may cost slightly more, but they're more cost-effective in the long run – for example, in the used car market, China 5 vehicles depreciate faster due to driving restrictions in many cities, making them harder to sell at good prices. China 6 vehicles also require higher-quality gasoline to prevent exhaust system clogging, which affects fuel consumption and performance. In actual driving, the China 6 standard mandates real-world testing, making it closer to real conditions and preventing automakers from cheating. After switching to a China 6 vehicle, I've noticed fewer maintenance issues and smoother starts, so I recommend choosing China 6 when buying a car to avoid regrets. From a health perspective, it helps reduce urban smog, giving us drivers more peace of mind.

[MacMatteo]

From an environmental perspective, the difference between China V and China VI standards is a significant reduction in pollutant emissions. Under the China VI standard, the limits for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) are only about half of those under China V, which genuinely helps reduce air pollution and alleviate urban smog issues. After implementation, China VI-compliant new vehicles must pass stricter tests, including real-driving emission monitoring, addressing some loopholes present during the China V era. For consumers, the impact is clear: prioritize purchasing China VI-compliant vehicles, as they are more durable and future-proof against policy changes. China VI standards also promote new energy technologies, driving the green transformation of the automotive industry. Although the initial vehicle prices may be higher, society benefits overall—cleaner air and reduced risks of respiratory diseases like asthma. Remember, this standard is divided into Phase A and Phase B, and nationwide coverage makes pollution control more effective.