What does China 5 and China 6 mean for vehicles?
2 Answers
China 5 and China 6 refer to vehicle emission standards, which regulate the content of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, PM, and soot emitted from vehicle exhaust. The transition from China 5 to China 6 involves improvements in intake and exhaust efficiency, exhaust gas recirculation efficiency, etc., with the ultimate goal of reducing the levels of harmful gases. More detailed information is as follows: 1. The China 6 emission standard is an upgraded version of the current China 5 standard, imposing stricter limits on the emission of CO (carbon monoxide), THC (total hydrocarbons), NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbons), NOX (nitrogen oxides), and PM (particulate matter). It also introduces new regulations on PN (particulate number). According to estimates, under the China 6 standard, light gasoline vehicles will see a reduction of approximately 50% in CO, HC, NMHC, and NOX emissions compared to the China 5 stage, with particulate emissions reduced by about 40%. For heavy-duty diesel vehicles, NOX and particulate emissions will be reduced by more than 60% compared to the China 5 stage. 2. In addition to stricter emission requirements, the cold-start test cycle has been adjusted from the NEDC cycle under China 5 to the WLTC cycle under China 6, leading to an increase in actual emissions. Starting from July 1, 2023, the dual-idle test will be replaced with a real driving emissions (RDE) test, resulting in higher exhaust emissions. Given that vehicle exhaust accounts for 20% to 40% of air pollution in first-tier cities, implementing the China 6 standard can lead to a noticeable improvement of over 10% in urban air quality.
When helping a friend buy a car recently, I often heard terms like China 5 and China 6. Simply put, China 5 refers to the National Phase 5 Emission Standard, while China 6 is a stricter sixth-phase version. China 5 was introduced around 2017, limiting harmful substances in vehicle exhaust like nitrogen oxides, but China 6 was further upgraded and implemented in stages starting from 2020, with much tighter restrictions—for example, particulate matter limits were nearly halved. Choosing a China 6-compliant car has many benefits: fewer driving restrictions in big cities, cleaner emissions with less health impact, and some models even enjoy purchase tax incentives. My advice is, if the budget allows, opting for a China 6 car is a smart long-term choice—it saves fuel and hassle. Of course, China 5 cars might be cheaper in the used car market, but be sure to check the certification carefully to avoid pitfalls, as environmental policies are pushing for newer standards. Before buying, always verify the vehicle’s registration details to confirm its emission standard—it affects daily convenience and safety.
