What are the differences between China 6 and China 5 vehicle emission standards?
4 Answers
Here are the differences between China 6 and China 5 vehicle emission standards: 1. Different emission limits. China 6a is a transitional phase between China 5 and China 6, while China 6b represents the true China 6 emission standard. 2. Price differences. China 6 vehicles require additional equipment installation compared to China 5, leading to extra costs for automakers in vehicle certification, various tests, and production, resulting in higher prices for China 6 vehicles. 3. Different retirement timelines. For example: In January 2019, both China 5 and China 6 vehicles had 15-year validity on their licenses, but actual usage differs. Taking implemented standards as an example, while both 2010 China 3 trucks and 2010 China 4 trucks can operate in Beijing, many cities have imposed restrictions, effectively rendering many older vehicles obsolete. Thus, even for vehicles of the same year, their operational lifespans may differ.
The main difference between China 6 and China 5 emission standards lies in their stringency, with China 6 being significantly stricter than China 5. For instance, the limits for harmful substances like nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide are nearly halved. China 6 also requires that vehicles' emissions must not exceed standards during actual on-road driving, unlike China 5, which only tests in laboratory conditions. China 6 is further divided into Phase a and Phase b, with Phase b being the most challenging. Automakers need to adopt new technologies like particulate filters, which increases manufacturing costs but is more environmentally friendly in the long run. As someone who frequently helps friends with car purchases, I've noticed that China 6-compliant vehicles contribute to cleaner air in cities and help control smog. However, they may come with a slightly higher price tag and more complex maintenance. I recommend prioritizing China 6-compliant vehicles when upgrading, especially in major cities with strict policies, as China 5 vehicles may face driving restrictions or faster depreciation. Opting for China 6b models ensures compliance with the latest standards.
I've been thinking a lot about environmental protection. The China 6 emission standard is truly a significant improvement. Compared to China 5, it has much stricter control over exhaust pollution. For example, particulate matter is reduced by over 30%, and nitrogen oxides are also significantly decreased, leading to noticeably better air purification effects. Since the implementation of China 6, urban smog has improved considerably, which is quite important for our health. The government rolled out this policy in phases, starting around 2020, pushing automakers to upgrade their technologies, such as adding GPF filtration systems. As an ordinary driver, I don't feel much difference when driving a China 6-compliant car in terms of power and fuel consumption, but it feels more comfortable knowing I'm supporting environmental protection, and it might even increase the resale value. If you're planning to buy a car recently, I'd recommend going straight for a China 6 model without hesitating about China 5, as many places no longer allow new China 5 cars to be registered.
After switching to a China 6 vehicle, the most noticeable difference compared to my previous China 5 model is cleaner emissions. China 5 only tested static conditions, while China 6 requires compliance even during real-world driving, with additional sensors installed. China 6 vehicles aren't picky about regular gasoline, whereas China 5 models sometimes required specific fuel. Performance feels the same, but I've heard China 6 maintenance might be slightly more expensive due to more complex systems. Long-term, urban air quality will improve, and China 5 cars depreciate faster, especially in areas with strict policies. I'd recommend prioritizing China 6 to avoid future restrictions.
