What does China III mean for vehicles?
2 Answers
China III vehicles refer to those that meet the European III standard for the content of harmful gases in vehicle exhaust. Additional information: 1. Emission standards: Vehicle exhaust contains 150 to 200 different compounds. Since vehicle exhaust is emitted mainly between 0.3 meters and 2 meters, which is within the human breathing range, it poses severe health risks. The most harmful substances to humans include carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and solid suspended particles. 2. Emission limits: Currently, there are restrictions on nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM) emitted by almost all types of vehicles, such as cars, trucks, trains, tractors, and similar machinery, as well as barges, but not including ocean-going ships and aircraft. For each type of vehicle, the vehicle exhaust emission standards vary.
China's National III emission standard refers to the third phase of China's automotive emission regulations. I've known about it since driving a car ten years ago, when both gasoline and diesel vehicles had to limit their exhaust pollutants within specified ranges, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide emissions not exceeding certain levels. Looking back, I bought a used National III-compliant car back then, which ran fine in suburban areas without major issues and had normal fuel consumption. However, many major cities later started restricting access, claiming National III vehicles were too polluting to enter central urban zones. As a result, I got fined several times a year and eventually had to upgrade to a National V-compliant vehicle, spending a modest amount on the switch. The lesson learned: always check the emission standard before buying a used car to avoid unnecessary hassles.
