What does China V and China VI vehicles mean?

[StHaley]

China V and China VI vehicles refer to the national standards for vehicle exhaust emissions. The higher the number, the more environmentally friendly the vehicle's exhaust is. The following are the changes in the China V gasoline standards and the management of exhaust emissions: Changes in the China V gasoline standards: Considering the potential risks of manganese to human health and its adverse effects on vehicle emission control systems, the manganese content limit has been reduced from 8 milligrams per liter in the fourth stage to 2 milligrams per liter, and the addition of manganese-containing additives is prohibited. Management of exhaust emissions: This should be approached from two aspects: one is control technology, mainly improving fuel combustion efficiency, installing pollution prevention treatment equipment, and developing new types of engines; the other is administrative measures, including scrapping and renewing vehicles, phasing out old vehicles, developing new types of vehicles (i.e., vehicles with no pollutant emissions), and controlling fuel usage standards.

[McBeau]

I remember people always talking about China 5 and China 6 before buying a car, and I didn’t understand it at first. Actually, China 5 refers to the fifth-stage emission standard in China, implemented around 2017, while China 6 is the upgraded sixth-stage standard introduced in 2019, requiring vehicles to emit fewer pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. For example, the nitrogen oxide limit under China 6 is nearly 50% lower than under China 5, applicable to both gasoline and diesel vehicles. When buying a car, I chose a China 6 model—though slightly more expensive, it’s more environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient, and the government even subsidizes the purchase tax. Over time, emission testing becomes simpler, and urban air quality improves, especially in northern winters where opening the car window isn’t as irritating as before. If you buy a China 5 vehicle as a used car, it may depreciate quickly, and some big cities might impose driving restrictions. It’s advisable to consider future trends and opt for a new car.

[MacAubree]

As an experienced auto mechanic, I've noticed significant technological advancements in China VI vehicles. The emission system is now equipped with new catalytic converters to treat harmful gases like PM2.5, with stricter standards than China V. While China V models may have more air leakage issues and cheaper maintenance, China VI's complex design increases costs but offers precise pollution control - you'll notice much fainter exhaust smells when running AC in summer. Gasoline vehicles have optimized engine matching, making emission tests easier to pass. China VI is divided into Phase A and B, with Phase B requiring higher nitrogen oxide treatment, making it ideal for city dwellers concerned about air quality. When purchasing, check the manual for standard specifications to avoid outdated China V models.

[MalachiAnn]

I particularly value air quality, and the China VI vehicles are the most environmentally friendly. The upgraded emission standards have reduced particulate matter and NOx, making the smog less severe when driving out. The China VI standards require stricter control over pollutant limits compared to China V, and my friends all say it's worth choosing—the exhaust doesn't smell as bad as China V vehicles in traffic jams. The China VI-B phase aims for zero-emission trends, and after upgrading, I feel more at ease contributing to emission reduction efforts.