What are China 5 and China 6 vehicles?
3 Answers
China 5 vehicles are those that comply with the China 5 emission standards, while China 6 vehicles meet the China 6 emission standards. Vehicle exhaust emission standards regulate the levels of harmful gases emitted from vehicle exhaust, such as carbon monoxide, PM (particulate matter), and soot. The transition from China 5 to China 6 involves improvements in intake and exhaust efficiency, exhaust gas recirculation efficiency, and other aspects to reduce the levels of harmful gases. Methods to check a vehicle's emission standard include: 1. Using the original or a copy of the vehicle registration certificate to inquire at the vehicle management office; 2. Visiting the website of the Motor Vehicle Exhaust Pollution Supervision and Management Center to check; 3. Looking for the emission standard on your vehicle registration certificate or windshield.
I was also curious about this issue when I bought a car before. China V and China VI vehicles refer to car models that comply with different emission standards in China. China V is the fifth-phase standard, implemented around 2008, with relatively loose restrictions on tailpipe pollutants such as nitrogen oxides. China VI is the sixth-phase standard, enforced from 2019, with much stricter emission requirements. For example, the China VIb phase has pollutant limits half as low as China V, better controlling the sources of smog. From daily experience, driving a China VI car feels more environmentally friendly, with higher engine efficiency, saving money in the long run and helping improve air quality. It's recommended to directly choose a new China VI standard car when buying, rather than opting for a cheaper second-hand China V car, as there may be more road restrictions next year and lower resale value.
I've been concerned about environmental issues for many years. The fundamental difference between China 5 and China 6 vehicles lies in their emission reduction levels. The older China 5 standard results in more severe exhaust pollution, while the new China 6 standard significantly reduces carbon monoxide and particulate emissions—equivalent to cutting millions of tons of air pollutants annually—greatly benefiting urban health. I support the nationwide push for China 6 standards because it drives automakers to upgrade their technology, making cars cleaner to operate and improving air quality for everyone to breathe more comfortably. A quick reminder: China 6 vehicles now account for over 80% of the market, so prioritize them when buying a new car—don’t sacrifice the environment for minor savings.
