
China V and China VI refer to the national vehicle emission standards set by the government. The higher the number, the more environmentally friendly the vehicle's emissions are. The China V emission standard, officially known as the 'China 5 Standard', has emission control levels equivalent to the Euro 5 emission standards currently implemented in Europe. The China VI emission standard is established to implement the Environmental Protection Law of the People's Republic of China and the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Law of the People's Republic of China, aiming to prevent environmental pollution caused by exhaust emissions from compression-ignition and gas-fueled spark-ignition engine vehicles, protect the ecological environment, and safeguard human health.

I remember that China 5 and China 6 are the abbreviations for our country's automobile emission standards, essentially representing different stages of environmental requirements. China 5 stands for the fifth stage of emission standards, while China 6 is the sixth stage, with the core difference being stricter pollutant control. To give an example from my understanding: under China 5, the limits for nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emitted by cars were relatively lenient, whereas China 6 significantly reduced the allowable amounts of these harmful substances and also introduced controls on evaporative emissions from gasoline vehicles. The goal, of course, is to reduce air pollution and improve urban smog issues. I recall that China 5 was rolled out nationwide around 2017, and China 6 was gradually implemented starting in 2020, especially prioritized in major cities, which affected many older vehicles—new cars had to upgrade their emission systems to comply. In terms of driving, China 6-compliant cars might perform more smoothly, but for owners of older vehicles, the upgrade costs were substantial. Overall, this reflects our country's efforts to promote green transportation.

I've always been environmentally conscious, so the introduction of China VI emission standards is a positive development in my view. It significantly reduces harmful pollutants in vehicle exhaust, such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are major contributors to air pollution and can lead to increased respiratory diseases. Compared to China V, the China VI standards require the use of more advanced catalytic converters, cutting emissions by nearly 50%. This can effectively improve urban air quality, especially in the heavily polluted northern regions. I recall that China VI is divided into two phases, a and b, with phase b being stricter, requiring vehicles to meet near-zero emission levels to qualify. This upgrade is part of the global effort to combat climate change, helping us reduce carbon emissions and protect ecological balance. As an everyday driver, I believe supporting China VI means leaving a future with blue skies and white clouds for our descendants, which is also why the government is pushing for all new vehicles to meet the new standards.

When I was buying a new car, I was particularly curious about the difference between China 5 and China 6. Simply put, they are different stages of emission control standards. China 5 is the older standard with lower emission limits, and the car price might be cheaper; China 6, the new standard, is more stringent, requiring car manufacturers to install additional devices, which increases the price. I chose a China 6 car, feeling that the maintenance cost is slightly higher, but the air quality is better, making it worth it in the long run. The emission tests are also more challenging, requiring complex verification to be legally roadworthy.

Reflecting on the evolution of automotive emission standards, from China I to China VI, it's like a step-by-step upgrade. China V dominated from 2013 to 2017, with relatively lenient limits on pollutants like hydrocarbons; China VI, implemented from 2020, introduced online monitoring and real-time control to ensure emissions consistently meet standards. This change stems from environmental pressures, with the government using regulations to drive automakers to innovate and reduce pollution. I believe the future may even bring China VII, making our roads cleaner.


