What are the methods to distinguish between China V and China VI vehicles?
2 Answers
Methods to distinguish between China V and China VI vehicles are: 1. Based on the vehicle's factory certificate; 2. Based on the vehicle's environmental standard list; 3. Check the vehicle conformity certificate. The carbon monoxide emission limit for China V is 1000mg per kilometer, the sulfur content limit is 10ppm, and the manganese content limit is 2mg per liter. During the China V phase, the emission standards for diesel and gasoline vehicles differ. The carbon monoxide emission limit for China VI is 700mg per kilometer, the sulfur content limit is 5ppm, and the manganese content limit is 1mg per liter. China VI adopts a fuel-neutral principle, meaning the emission limits are the same regardless of the fuel type used.
Identifying China 5 and China 6 vehicles is my forte, and I usually start with the vehicle nameplate. Typically, you can find a label on the inner side of the hood or the door frame, indicating the emission standard—for example, GB18352.5-2013 is China 5, while GB18352.6-2016 is China 6, which is further divided into phases a and b. China 6 vehicles are equipped with additional devices like particulate filters to reduce PM emissions. The 10th digit of the VIN can also indicate the production year, with most vehicles produced after 2019 being China 6, which has lower emissions and is better for the environment. I always remind my friends that this affects urban licensing policies—buying a China 6 vehicle can help avoid driving restrictions. Don’t forget to take photos with your phone for easy reference during inspections.
