What are the differences between China 5 and China 6 vehicle models?

[Myrtle]

The differences between China 5 and China 6 emission standards are as follows: Different emission standards: The China 6 emission standard is more than 30% stricter than China 5. Excluding the influence of working conditions and testing, the carbon monoxide emissions of gasoline vehicles are reduced by 50%, the total hydrocarbon and non-methane hydrocarbon emissions are reduced by 50%, and nitrogen oxide emissions are reduced by 42%. Different implementation times: The China 5 standard was implemented nationwide on January 1, 2017, as the fifth stage of national motor vehicle emission standards. China 6 was implemented on July 1, 2019. Different principles: During the China 5 phase, diesel and gasoline vehicles had different emission standards, but China 6 adopts a fuel-neutral principle, meaning that regardless of the fuel type, the emission limits are the same. Different issuing departments: The China 5 standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, while the China 6 standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine. Different letter representations: China 5 is represented by 'V', while China 6 is represented by 'VI'. Different monitoring requirements for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: Compared to China 5, China 6 has improved monitoring requirements for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, including energy storage systems, thermal management systems, brake regeneration, drive motors, generators, and other regulatory aspects. The China 5 standard limits are as follows: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 1000 mg of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 68 mg of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 60 mg of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 4.5 mg of PM fine particles per kilometer driven. China 6 has two standards: China 6a and China 6b, which are as follows: China 6a standard limits: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 700 mg of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 68 mg of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 60 mg of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 4.5 mg of PM fine particles per kilometer driven. China 6b standard limits: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 500 mg of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 35 mg of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 35 mg of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 3 mg of PM fine particles per kilometer driven. Affected by the China 6 emission policy, although China 5 vehicles are not currently restricted in normal use, with no driving or license plate restrictions, the resale value of these vehicles will be significantly impacted. For car 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 by the owner during that period. A higher residual value means the owner earns more. Therefore, from this perspective, China 6 vehicles, which have a longer service life and more road rights, are more advantageous.

[VanLouis]

As a regular car owner who often delves into automotive technology, I've found that the main difference between China 5 and China 6 models lies in the emission standards. China 6 is stricter, with significantly lower pollutant limits; for example, nitrogen oxides are reduced from 80 mg/km in China 5 to 35 mg/km, and carbon monoxide emissions are also halved. The testing method has shifted from the old NEDC to the new WLTP, which simulates real driving conditions, making the data more accurate. Technologically, China 6 vehicles are often equipped with a GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter), which slightly affects acceleration but has the benefit of reducing smog and protecting respiratory health. In terms of price, they are a bit more expensive, costing a few thousand yuan more for a new car, but they save on fuel and maintenance costs in the long run. In the used car market, China 6 vehicles hold their value better.