What are the differences between China VI and China V emission standards?
2 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 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: The China V standard was implemented nationwide on January 1, 2017. China VI has been implemented 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 the emission limits are the same regardless of the fuel type. 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', 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 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. China VI has two standards: China VIa and China VIb. Their limits are as follows: China 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 (particulate matter) per kilometer driven. China 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 (particulate matter) per kilometer driven. Affected by the China VI emission policy, although China V vehicles are not currently restricted from normal use, such as 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 paying off the loan is equivalent to the net profit earned during that period. A higher residual value means the owner earns more. Therefore, from this perspective, China VI vehicles, which have a longer service life and more road rights, are more advantageous.
I'm a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, and there's quite a difference between China 5 and China 6 emission standards. China 5 was the standard from a few years ago with looser emission limits, resulting in more pollutants in the exhaust. After driving for a while, you'd notice stronger odors both inside and outside the car. China 6 is much stricter, requiring cleaner exhaust and adding components like particulate filters to clean the emissions. I think it's much better for the environment—less urban smog and fresher air when driving. When I changed cars, I specifically chose a China 6 model. Although it's more expensive, it holds its value better and is more convenient in cities with driving restrictions. However, China 6 maintenance might be a bit more complex, and repair costs could be higher. Overall, for the sake of health and local environment, the upgrade is worth it.