What are the differences between China 6 and China 5?

[VanJaxon]

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 operating 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: China 5 standard was implemented nationwide on January 1, 2017, as the fifth-stage national motor vehicle emission standard. China 6 has been implemented since July 1, 2019. Different principles: During the China 5 stage, diesel vehicles 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. 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 regulations on energy storage systems, thermal management systems, brake regeneration, drive motors, generators, etc. 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 fine particles 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 fine particles 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 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 bans or license plate restrictions, their resale value will be significantly impacted. For car owners, if they purchase a truck for freight transport with a loan, the vehicle's depreciation after repaying 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 greater advantages.

[VanBeckett]

I found that the China VI emission standards are much stricter than China V, mainly by significantly lowering the pollutant limits. For example, nitrogen oxides must be reduced by more than 50%, and particulate filters are required to control fine particles in the exhaust. China VI is further divided into phases a and b, with phase b being even stricter, introducing real-driving emission tests to ensure compliance on the road. The technological upgrades are substantial—engines and after-treatment systems have become more complex, which may increase costs, but the environmental benefits are significant. Many automakers have launched new models as a result, such as hybrid vehicles that meet the standards. I believe this trend is driving green innovation, making China VI-compliant cars a more cost-effective choice in the future. Currently, major cities in China have mandated these standards, so when buying a car, it's important to check regional policies and avoid opting for cheaper China V models to prevent future driving bans or fines.