What are China 5 and China 6 vehicles?
2 Answers
China 5 vehicles refer to automobiles that comply with the National Phase 5 Emission Standards for motor vehicle pollutants. The China 5 standard imposes stricter limits on vehicle emissions such as hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, aiming not only to reduce air pollution but also to prevent smog. Vehicle emissions refer to harmful gases discharged from exhaust, including carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and particulate carbon smoke. China 6 vehicles are those that meet the National Phase 6 Emission Standards for motor vehicle pollutants. China 6 vehicles emit fewer exhaust pollutants than China 5 vehicles. The China 6 emission standard is implemented in two phases: China 6a and China 6b, with China 6b being even more stringent than China 6a.
National Five and National Six vehicles refer to those that comply with China's National Emission Standard Phase V and Phase VI. Having driven for over a decade, I understand how these differences impact daily life. Simply put, National Five is the older standard, limiting pollutants like carbon dioxide; National Six is stricter, introduced after 2019, restricting more gases such as nitrogen oxides, with emissions 50% lower. For me, choosing a National Six car when buying new, though slightly more expensive, has many benefits: relaxed traffic restrictions in big cities, like driving in Beijing without worrying about entering the urban area. In the used car market, National Five cars depreciate faster, especially in coastal cities, and repairs are simpler. National Six systems are more sophisticated, with higher maintenance costs, but it's worth it from an environmental perspective. The government promotes National Six to reduce smog and improve air quality. As an ordinary driver, I recommend checking local regulations to avoid extra fines. In the long run, these standards promote green travel, and I need to consider cost-effectiveness and convenience.
