What are the differences between China VI and China V?
4 Answers
The distinction between China V and China VI vehicles can be identified by the emission standard letters on the rear of the car: China V is denoted by 'V', while China VI is denoted by 'VI'. The differences between the two are as follows: Different emission standards: China VI emission standards are more than 30% stricter than China V. Under the exclusion of working conditions and test influences, gasoline vehicles' carbon monoxide emissions are reduced by 50%, total hydrocarbons and non-methane hydrocarbons emissions are decreased 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. China VI has been in effect since July 1, 2019. Different principles: During the China V phase, diesel and gasoline vehicles had different emission standards. However, 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 'V'; 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 fine particles per kilometer driven. China VI has two standards: China VIa and China VIb, 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, nor are they subject to traffic or license plate restrictions, their resale value will be significantly impacted. For car owners, if they purchase a truck for cargo 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 VI vehicles, with longer service life and more road rights, have greater advantages.
The main difference between China 6 and China 5 lies in the emission standards. China 5 is the older fifth-stage standard implemented in 2017, which already imposed strict limits on vehicle emissions. However, China 6 is the new sixth-stage standard, divided into phases a and b, implemented after 2020, with even more stringent limits. For example, China 6 significantly reduces nitrogen oxide emissions and introduces real-driving emission (RDE) tests to simulate actual driving conditions, ensuring vehicles do not exceed pollution limits in real-world scenarios. This affects car purchase decisions: China 6 vehicles, though possibly more expensive, have better resale value and avoid concerns about urban driving restrictions in the long run, as they are prioritized by environmental authorities. In contrast, China 5 vehicles may be cheaper now but could depreciate more in the used car market and face restrictions in heavily polluted areas. Overall, China 6 represents technological progress, better reducing air pollution and promoting green mobility.
From an environmental perspective, the China VI emission standard represents a significant leap forward compared to China V. It imposes stricter limits on pollutant emissions, such as lower thresholds for carbon monoxide and particulate matter, while also introducing real-world driving emission tests. This helps reduce harmful exhaust emissions during daily driving. Although China V was already stringent, its urban air quality improvement impact is less noticeable than China VI. Choosing a China VI-compliant vehicle makes greater environmental contributions by helping reduce smog and improve respiratory health. When purchasing a car, I often recommend prioritizing China VI models - the government promotes this standard precisely for long-term environmental goals, and it's worth considering when the price difference is marginal. Additionally, China VI optimizes engine technology, making vehicles more fuel-efficient and indirectly reducing resource waste.
China VI is the latest vehicle emission standard with stricter pollutant control, such as significantly reduced nitrogen oxide limits; China V is the older standard with looser requirements. It's better to choose a China VI-compliant vehicle when buying a new car to avoid future troubles.
