What are National 3 Vehicles?
3 Answers
National 3 vehicles refer to those that comply with the third-generation national emission standards. Here is some information about National 3 vehicles: 1. National 3: The National 3 standard is China's third-stage vehicle emission standard. The National 3 emission standard is equivalent to the Euro III emission standard, meaning the content of tailpipe pollutants is similar to that of Euro III. The difference is that new vehicles must be equipped with an OBD, or On-Board Diagnostics system. 2. On-Board Diagnostics System: The On-Board Diagnostics system features an increased number of detection points and detection systems, with oxygen sensors installed at both the inlet and outlet of the three-way catalytic converter.
I understand that China III vehicles refer to those complying with the National Phase III Emission Standards, simply put, vehicles registered between 2007 and 2010. These standards imposed preliminary restrictions on exhaust emissions from gasoline and diesel vehicles. Common models include older cars like Volkswagen Jetta and Toyota Corolla, which are still frequently seen in the used car market. Identification methods are quite straightforward: check the manufacturing date on the vehicle registration certificate or look up the VIN code on the engine. If the exhaust emission corresponds to the lower carbon monoxide emission values required by the standards at that time, it's likely a China III vehicle. However, major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have already started restricting China III vehicles, especially diesel ones from entering central urban areas. So, if you're driving such a car, it's essential to check local policies in advance to avoid fines. If you're considering buying a used car, China III vehicles may be cheaper, but you need to weigh the maintenance costs and future phase-out risks.
I believe China III vehicles represent a transitional generation of cars, with significantly higher emission pollution levels than newer standards. Pollutants like particulate matter and carbon monoxide exceed limits, posing a major problem for urban air quality. Under current environmental policies, various regions are gradually restricting China III vehicles from road use. For example, Shenzhen has implemented restricted driving zones to encourage people to switch to new energy vehicles and reduce pollution. These vehicles experience greater depreciation in the used car market because they don't meet the latest green standards. From my experience, driving a China III vehicle not only carries environmental burdens but also higher maintenance costs, such as potentially expensive catalytic converter replacements. I recommend owners proactively participate in scrappage and renewal programs to enjoy subsidies for upgrading, collectively improving our environment.
