What does China V and China VI mean for vehicles?
4 Answers
China V and China VI refer to the 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 V to China VI includes improvements in intake and exhaust efficiency, exhaust gas recirculation efficiency, etc., with the aim of reducing the levels of harmful gases. Simply put, the China VI emission standard is an upgraded version of the current China V 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) compared to the China V standard. Additionally, it introduces new regulations on PN (particulate number) emissions.
I usually pay attention to automotive technology. China 5 and China 6 refer to the stages of China's vehicle emission standards. China 5 is the National Fifth Stage Emission Standard, while China 6 is the stricter sixth stage. Simply put, these standards limit the emission of harmful pollutants such as hydrocarbons and particulate matter from vehicle exhaust. The China 6 standard is divided into two phases, A and B. Phase A is slightly more lenient, while Phase B is very strict, with nitrogen oxide emission limits much lower than those of China 5. This not only requires automakers to upgrade their technology, using better catalytic converters and sensors, but also directly affects our car choices. I believe that when buying a new car now, it's better to prioritize China 6-compliant vehicles. They are more environmentally friendly, help improve urban air quality, and have more stable future resale values. Of course, the initial cost may be higher, but they are more fuel-efficient in the long run. Although China 5-compliant cars are cheaper, they may face restrictions in some cities, so caution is needed.
As a frequent driver, my experience tells me that China 5 and China 6 represent the upgrade phases of emission standards. China 5 allows slightly higher pollution levels, while China 6 pushes it much lower, with China 6A being implemented from 2019 onwards, followed by the stricter China 6B. What does this mean for us car owners? When buying a new car, try to choose China 6-compliant models—they have optimized engines and exhaust systems, cleaner emissions, and may offer slightly better fuel efficiency in the long run. For used cars, China 5 models are cheaper, but cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou might impose driving restrictions, so check local policies. Personally, I find China 6 cars smoother in acceleration, though they occasionally require more computer diagnostics for maintenance, but overall, it doesn’t affect daily use. In short, upgraded standards protect the environment, and your car choice should consider city requirements and personal budget.
I've driven cars from different eras. Simply put, China 5 and China 6 are national vehicle emission standards set by the government, with higher numbers indicating stricter regulations. The China 6 standard has more demanding technical requirements, such as mandatory use of particulate filters to reduce PM2.5 emissions and upgraded engine combustion efficiency. Automakers have responded by producing vehicles that emit fewer pollutants. When buying a new car, you can easily identify China 6 models by checking the parameters in the specifications. While the driving experience may not differ much, the environmental benefits are significant. These standards contribute to better urban air quality, especially in smog-prone areas. China 5 vehicles have simpler emission treatment systems and are depreciating rapidly in the used car market. Such upgrades drive industry progress.
