What are the differences between China 6 and China 5 emission standards for vehicles?
3 Answers
The differences between China 5 and China 6 emission standards are as follows: Different emission standards: China 6 emission standards are more than 30% stricter than China 5. Excluding the influence of driving conditions and testing, gasoline vehicles' carbon monoxide emissions are reduced by 50%, total hydrocarbons and non-methane hydrocarbons 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. The China 6 standard has been implemented since July 1, 2019. Different principles: During the China 5 stage, diesel and gasoline vehicles had different emission standards. However, 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. 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. China 5 standard limits are as follows: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 1,000 milligrams of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 68 milligrams of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 60 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 4.5 milligrams of PM (particulate matter) per kilometer driven. China 6 has two standards: China 6a and China 6b, as follows: China 6a standard limits: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 700 milligrams of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 68 milligrams of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 60 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 4.5 milligrams of PM (particulate matter) per kilometer driven. China 6b standard limits: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 500 milligrams of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 35 milligrams of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 35 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 3 milligrams of PM (particulate matter) per kilometer driven. Affected by the China 6 emission policy, although China 5 vehicles can still be used normally without restrictions on driving or license plate numbers, their resale value will be significantly impacted. For truck owners, if they purchase a truck on loan for cargo transport, the vehicle's depreciation 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. Therefore, from this perspective, China 6 vehicles, with longer service life and more road rights, have more advantages.
China 6 and China 5 are both vehicle emission standards, with the main difference lying in environmental friendliness. China 6 is more stringent, with significantly lower pollutant limits—for instance, nitrogen oxides are reduced by nearly half, and new particulate matter requirements are added. The testing methods also differ: China 6 requires real-world driving emission tests to prevent automaker cheating, making it more reliable than China 5's lab-only testing. The practical impact is substantial. China 6 vehicles emit less when leaving the factory, feel cleaner to drive, and are better for air quality. However, China 6 vehicles may be slightly more expensive, while used China 5 cars are relatively cheaper, though they face higher risks of driving restrictions in some cities in the future. Maintenance for China 6 systems is more complex, requiring specialized tools and increasing costs. Overall, China 6 represents progress, aligning with green trends.
From an environmental perspective, China 6 has strengthened regulatory measures. Compared to China 5, it reduces major pollutants such as carbon monoxide by 30%, nitrogen oxides by 50%, and introduces limits on particulate matter numbers. The newly added Real Driving Emissions (RDE) test is crucial, ensuring stable vehicle emissions under real-world driving conditions. This means China 6-compliant vehicles contribute less to air pollution, helping to improve urban issues like PM2.5. When purchasing a car, China 6 models hold their value better, making them suitable for long-term ownership, though initial costs are higher due to upgrades like catalytic systems. Maintenance-wise, China 6 vehicles are more sensitive, with more sensors requiring regular calibration. In summary, China 6 drives the industry towards greener practices.
