What are the differences between China V and China VI vehicle emission standards?
4 Answers
The differences between China V and China VI emission standards are as follows: Different emission standards: China VI 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. The China VI standard has been implemented since July 1, 2019. Different principles: During the China V phase, diesel and gasoline vehicles had different emission standards, but China VI adopts a fuel-neutral principle, meaning the emission limits are the same regardless of the fuel type. Different issuing authorities: 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 'V', while China VI is represented by '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 energy storage systems, thermal management systems, brake regeneration, drive motors, generators, and other regulations. 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 (particulate matter) per kilometer driven. China VI has two standards: China VIa and China VIb. They 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 (particulate matter) 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 (particulate matter) per kilometer driven. Affected by the China VI emission policy, although China V vehicles are not currently restricted in normal use (no driving bans or license plate restrictions), their resale value is significantly impacted. For truck owners, if they purchase a truck on loan for cargo transport, after paying off the loan, the vehicle's depreciation 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.
Like many car enthusiasts, I'm quite interested in emission standards. China V and China VI are regulations set by China for new vehicle exhaust emissions, with China VI being much stricter than China V, primarily due to lower emission limits. China V sets upper limits for pollutants like carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, but China VI pushes these limits even lower, and is divided into China VIa and VIb phases, with VIb being even more stringent. Technologically, China VI vehicles require better catalytic converters or particulate filters, such as gasoline vehicles needing GPFs to filter particulate matter, which wasn't required for China V. The testing methods also differ; China VI uses Real Driving Emission (RDE) tests instead of just laboratory data, better reflecting real-world driving conditions. This is a big plus for the environment, as China VI vehicles emit cleaner exhaust, reducing smog days and health impacts. However, automakers need to upgrade their technology, which might make new cars a bit more expensive. Overall, China VI is progress and worth supporting.
When I was buying a car, I specifically researched the differences between China V and China VI emission standards. As an ordinary car owner, I believe this directly impacts vehicle ownership costs. The China VI emission standards are significantly stricter than China V—for example, the nitrogen oxide limits are reduced by more than half. Automakers have to install better equipment like three-way catalytic converters, which naturally drives up the price of new cars. However, in the long run, China VI-compliant cars hold their value better, especially in cities with license plate restrictions like Beijing and Shanghai, where China VI cars are easier to register and fetch higher prices in the used car market. Conversely, China V cars may be affected by purchase restrictions, making them harder to sell. In terms of maintenance, China VI vehicles require more meticulous care, such as frequent replacement of filters, leading to slightly higher upkeep costs. But this trade-off comes with benefits for air quality and health. My current China VI car emits noticeably less exhaust smoke, and friends often comment on its eco-friendliness. I’d advise anyone considering a car purchase to prioritize the China VI version—it’s a more worthwhile investment.
As an auto mechanic, I often get asked by car owners about the differences between China 5 and China 6 vehicles. The main difference lies in the emission control systems: China 6 standards are stricter, with pollutant limits about half those of China 5. For example, the nitrogen oxide standard is around 80mg/km for China 5, but only 35mg/km for China 6. Technically, China 6 vehicles must be equipped with a Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) to trap fine particles, which is required for both gasoline and diesel vehicles, unlike China 5 vehicles. The diagnostic interface also needs an upgrade, making it more complex when I use tools for detection, requiring specialized equipment to read data. In terms of maintenance, the emission components of China 6 vehicles are prone to clogging, so I recommend cleaning the filter screen every six months, which comes with higher labor costs. However, the advantage is that the exhaust is much cleaner, which makes me feel better when working on them, knowing there's less pollution. In summary, China 6 vehicles require more maintenance, but it's better for the vehicle's condition in the long run.