What are the differences between National V and National VI vehicles?
4 Answers
The differences between National V and National VI emission standards are as follows: Different emission standards: The National VI emission standard is more than 30% stricter than National 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 National V standard was implemented nationwide on January 1, 2017. The National VI standard was implemented on July 1, 2019. Different principles: During the National V phase, diesel and gasoline vehicles had different emission standards. However, National VI adopts a fuel-neutral principle, meaning the emission limits are the same regardless of the fuel type. Different issuing departments: The National V standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection. The National VI standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine. Different letter representations: National V is represented by "V," while National VI is represented by "VI." Different monitoring requirements for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: Compared to National V, National 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. The National 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. National VI has two standards: National VIa and National VIb. Their limits are as follows: National 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 per kilometer driven. National 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 per kilometer driven. Affected by the National VI emission policy, although National V vehicles can still be used normally without restrictions on driving or license plates, their resale value will be significantly impacted. For car owners, if they purchase a truck on loan for cargo transport, the vehicle's depreciation after paying off 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, National VI vehicles, which have a longer lifespan and more road rights, are more advantageous.
I used to think my China 5 vehicle worked just fine, but after switching to a China 6 model last year, I noticed significant differences. China 5 was the emission standard around 2017, while China 6 is the upgraded version introduced in 2020 with stricter regulations, requiring lower emissions of pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, making it more environmentally friendly. Especially in big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, driving a China 6 car feels more reassuring when air quality is poor. My China 6 vehicle is equipped with advanced after-treatment systems like a particulate filter, so the exhaust doesn’t smell as bad, and fuel efficiency is slightly better, offering a cleaner and more eco-friendly driving experience overall. The new car is a bit more expensive, but in the long run, it saves some fuel costs, and China 6 cars have higher resale value. Some cities have already started restricting China 5 vehicle registrations, so I’d recommend prioritizing China 6 when buying a new car. My friend’s old China 5 car is now hard to sell in the used market, and the future trend is clearly shifting toward China 6 dominance. Eco-conscious car owners find it a worthwhile investment.
As a seasoned driver with over 20 years of experience, I've witnessed the transition from China I to China VI emission standards, with notable differences between China V and China VI. China V was implemented in 2017, while China VI was rolled out in phases a and b starting from 2020, featuring significantly stricter emission limits that require over 30% reduction in tailpipe pollutants like CO and PM. Technologically, China VI vehicles incorporate advanced particulate filters and after-treatment systems to reduce soot emissions, making the air feel fresher when driving on foggy days. From an environmental perspective, this helps China improve urban air quality and reduce health issues. Economically, China VI vehicles have higher initial costs but better long-term value retention; I've observed that China VI cars command higher prices in the used car market. While daily maintenance for China VI systems is slightly more complex, they experience fewer failures, making the upgrade worthwhile for car owners.
Over the past decade of repairing cars, I've seen many differences between China V and China VI vehicles. The China VI emission system is more complex, with added components like particulate filters, making parts more expensive during repairs but offering more stable performance. China V vehicles are simpler but have higher emissions, often emitting black smoke from the exhaust. Using regular fuel in a China VI vehicle can easily clog the system, so it's recommended to use high-quality fuel and perform regular maintenance to avoid issues. The difference in emissions during driving isn't significant, but China VI is better for the environment, helping to reduce air pollution.
