What does National 5 and National 6 vehicles mean?

[OCorbin]

National 5 and National 6 vehicles, the full name of which is "National Phase X Motor Vehicle Pollutant Emission Standards", refer to vehicles whose emission standards comply with the national regulations for different phases of motor vehicle pollutant emission standards. The higher the number, the later the release time, and the more stringent the energy-saving and emission reduction requirements for the vehicles. The National 6 emission standard is an upgraded version of the National 5 emission standard, with stricter limits on the emission of CO (carbon monoxide), THC (total hydrocarbons), NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbons), NOX (nitrogen oxides), PM (particulate matter mass), and the introduction of PN (particulate matter number) emission regulations compared to the National 5 standard. There are several ways to distinguish between National 5 and National 6 vehicles: 1. The National 5 emission standard is marked with a "V", while the National 6 emission standard is marked with a "Ⅵ", using Roman numerals. 2. The vehicle's nameplate indicates the complete vehicle model.

[LeRuth]

When I first understood automotive emission standards, I found China 5 and China 6 quite interesting—they represent the fifth and sixth stages of vehicle emission limits set by China. Simply put, they regulate that the concentration of pollutants in exhaust gases from new vehicles must not exceed specified limits, such as carbon monoxide and particulate matter. China 5 was implemented around 2017, while China 6 was rolled out in two phases (A and B) starting in 2019, being much stricter than China 5. To comply, manufacturers had to install high-efficiency catalysts or optimize engine designs. This directly impacts vehicle performance—driving a China 6-compliant car feels smoother and slightly more fuel-efficient. In daily life, it determines whether you can drive in restricted zones. The government promotes these standards to reduce smog and improve air quality, and in the long run, they push technological advancements in new vehicles. I believe everyone should pay attention, especially when buying used cars—always check the emission rating to avoid pitfalls.

[DeLondyn]

I often worry about urban air pollution. China 5 and China 6 emission standards are actually important steps taken by the country to control vehicle emissions. They represent standards introduced in different years: China 5 applies to vehicles after 2013, while China 6, implemented since 2019, is more stringent, limiting harmful substances in exhaust such as nitrogen monoxide. Unlike China 5, which relied solely on laboratory tests, China 6 requires vehicles to meet standards during actual driving. This brings significant environmental benefits, reducing carbon emissions and the risk of acid rain. As consumers, driving China 6-compliant vehicles is not only environmentally friendly but also allows us to enjoy some urban green license plate policies. With current policy incentives, automakers are mass-producing China 6 vehicles, which may be slightly more expensive but are worth the investment. From a personal perspective, I believe these standards represent social progress, helping the next generation breathe cleaner air.

[Ronan]

Having driven for decades, China 5 and China 6 refer to different emission standards. Simply put, China 5 has looser emission requirements, while China 6 is more stringent. New cars after 2013 were generally China 5, and after 2020, China 6 became mainstream. It's important to check this when buying a car because China 6 vehicles face more regulatory restrictions but have easier registration. From my experience, driving a China 6 car in the city is smoother and more fuel-efficient. Policy changes have caused some older China 5 cars to depreciate, so it's better to replace them sooner. Overall, understanding this helps you choose a more economical and durable car.