What are the differences between National IV and National V?
3 Answers
The differences between National IV and National V are: 1. Different upper limits of sulfur content in gasoline: National IV stipulates that the upper limit of sulfur content in gasoline is 50 milligrams per kilogram; National V stipulates that the upper limit of sulfur content in gasoline is 10 milligrams per kilogram. 2. Different nitrogen oxide emission standards: The nitrogen oxide emission standard for National IV is 0.08 milligrams per cubic meter; The nitrogen oxide emission standard for National V is 0.06 milligrams per cubic meter. The methods to distinguish between National IV and National V are: 1. Check the vehicle fuel consumption label; 2. Check the vehicle nameplate; 3. Check the environmental inspection compliance mark. National IV and National V refer to different stages of emission standards stipulated by the state. The higher the number of the emission standard, the higher the level, and the higher the level, the lower the engine emissions will be.
Let me tell you, there's quite a difference between China IV and China V standards, mainly because China V is much stricter with significantly less pollution. China IV is the fourth-stage emission standard implemented around 2008, with higher limits for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) in exhaust emissions. Vehicles meeting this standard pollute the air more severely, which can easily impact health. China V, the fifth-stage standard, was fully rolled out starting in 2018. It slashes NOx limits by more than half and introduces new regulations, such as requiring vehicles to have more advanced OBD systems to monitor emissions—issuing immediate warnings if standards are exceeded. This pushes automakers to adopt cleaner technologies, like installing DPF filters to reduce smoke emissions. The benefits include fresher air and reduced smog, especially in major cities. In the long run, China V-compliant vehicles are much more environmentally friendly, supporting carbon neutrality goals, and make personal driving more eco-conscious.
When buying a car, you need to pay attention to the difference between China IV and China V standards. China V vehicles have higher standards and stricter exhaust emission controls, meaning pollutants like carbon monoxide and PM2.5 are significantly reduced. China IV vehicles are already banned from registration or restricted in many cities. For example, first-tier cities only allow registration of China V or higher new vehicles, so be cautious about policy changes when buying a used China IV car. China V vehicles feature newer technologies, such as OBD monitoring systems that can report issues in real time, making repairs more convenient and slightly reducing long-term maintenance costs. It's recommended to prioritize China V vehicles for better resale value and hassle-free driving. I also think the policy push has a significant psychological impact on owners of older vehicles, so it's worth calculating whether upgrading is cost-effective.
