What are the differences between China National V and China National VI vehicle emission standards?

[VanSilas]

The differences between China National V and China National VI emission standards are as follows: Different emission standards: China National VI emission standards are more than 30% stricter than National V. Under the same driving conditions and test influences, gasoline vehicles' carbon monoxide emissions are reduced by 50%, total hydrocarbon and non-methane hydrocarbon emissions are reduced by 50%, and nitrogen oxide emissions are reduced by 42%. Different implementation times: The National V standard was implemented nationwide on January 1, 2017. The National VI standard has been implemented since July 1, 2019. Different principles: During the National V phase, diesel and gasoline vehicles had different emission standards, but National VI adopts a fuel-neutral principle, meaning the emission limits are the same regardless of the fuel type. Different issuing authorities: The National V standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection. The National VI standard was jointly issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine. Different letter representations: National V is represented by 'V', while National VI is represented by 'VI'. Different monitoring requirements for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: Compared to National V, National VI 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. The National V standard limits are as follows: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 1,000 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 (particulate matter) per kilometer driven. National VI has two standards: National VIa and National VIb, as follows: National VIa 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 per kilometer driven. National VIb 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 per kilometer driven. Affected by the National VI emission policy, although National V vehicles can still be used normally without restrictions on driving or license plate usage, 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 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, National VI vehicles with longer service life and more road rights have an advantage.

[VonIsabelle]

The biggest difference between China 5 and China 6 lies in the stricter emission standards. China 6 significantly reduces pollutant limits, especially for harmful gases like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. I remember China 5 vehicles were popular around 2017 when the emission standards were relatively lenient, with nitrogen oxide limits around 60 milligrams per kilometer. However, China 6B directly reduces it to 35 milligrams, requiring automakers to install more efficient catalytic converters or DPF filtration systems. In daily driving, I've noticed that China 6 vehicles have more sensitive emission detection upon startup, with systems automatically monitoring faults, requiring professional equipment for maintenance adjustments. Additionally, China 6 is divided into Phase A and Phase B, with China 6B being the highest standard. New vehicles must comply to be road-legal, otherwise, they face strict urban driving restrictions. I recommend friends considering buying a car to prioritize China 6B models for better future resale value and reduced risk of environmental fines.

[LilyFitz]

Bro, let me put it this way—the most practical difference is that China 6 cars are more eco-friendly and hassle-free to drive. Under the China 5 standard, gasoline vehicle emissions were just average, but China 6 requires toxic gases like carbon monoxide to be halved, and new cars must be equipped with advanced sensors to monitor emissions. In real-world use, driving a China 6 car in restricted cities like Beijing means you won’t get stopped, thanks to its higher-tier eco-label. During maintenance, mechanics say China 6 engine parts are more precise, which might cost a bit more upfront but pays off in the long run. Here’s a pro tip: when buying a used car, prioritize China 6A or B models—China 5 cars depreciate faster, especially diesel versions. They’re fine for suburban driving, but in big cities, you’re more likely to get hit with fines. Bottom line: China 6 is the way forward, and spending a little extra is worth it.