What are the differences between China V and China VI?
3 Answers
The differences between China V and China VI emission standards are as follows: Different emission standards: China VI emission standards are more than 30% stricter than China V. 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 V standard was implemented nationwide on January 1, 2017, as the fifth stage of national motor vehicle emission standards. The China VI standard has been implemented since July 1, 2019. Different principles: In the China V stage, diesel and gasoline vehicles had different emission standards, but China VI adopts a fuel-neutral principle, meaning that regardless of the fuel type, the emission limits are the same. Different issuing departments: The China V standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection. The China VI standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine. Different letter representations: China V is represented by the letter V, while China VI is represented by the letters VI. Different monitoring requirements for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: Compared to China V, China 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. China V 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 VI has two standards: China VIa and China VIb. The details are as follows: China VIa 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 VIb 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 VI emission policy, although China V vehicles are not currently restricted from normal use, such as travel or license plate restrictions, their resale value will be significantly impacted. For truck owners, if they purchase a truck on loan for cargo transport, the depreciation of the vehicle 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 VI vehicles, which have a longer service life and more road rights, are more advantageous.
As an ordinary car owner, I have personally experienced the transition from China 5 to China 6 emission standards, and the difference is significant. The China 6 standards are much stricter, with pollutant emissions substantially lower than China 5 – for example, nitrogen oxides are nearly halved, and particulate matter is also significantly reduced. Technologically, China 6 vehicles are equipped with devices like particulate filters to trap more impurities, though this has slightly increased the purchase cost, making new cars a few thousand yuan more expensive. In daily driving, there's no noticeable difference; acceleration remains smooth, but maintenance might cost a bit more for filter replacements. Another downside is the steep drop in resale value of China 5 used cars, as new vehicle registrations now require China 6 compliance, and some major cities have regional driving restrictions. My advice is to directly opt for China 6b when buying a car – it's the latest standard, capable of adapting to future policy changes, ensuring better long-term value retention and peace of mind. The environmental benefits are substantial, contributing to cleaner air, and I believe the price difference is worth it.
I have always been concerned about environmental issues, and the core difference between China V and China VI is the environmental upgrade. China VI significantly reduces emission limits, such as hydrocarbons and toxic gases, with stricter real-world testing, which can notably improve air quality, especially in congested urban areas. Why do I advocate for it? Because it reduces pollution, protects public health, and decreases the number of smoggy days. Technically, vehicles require new systems like particulate filters to meet the standards. Although this increases costs, the societal benefits far outweigh these. Everyone should prioritize China VI vehicles to promote a greener transportation ecosystem. In the long run, these standards can drive innovation, making cars cleaner and cities more livable.
