What emission standard does VI refer to?
3 Answers
VI refers to the China VI emission standard. The China VI fuel standard can reduce particulate emissions by up to 10%, significantly lowering the pollutant content in vehicle exhaust. Under the China VI standard, the upper limit of aromatic hydrocarbon content in ethanol gasoline for vehicles is reduced by 12.5%, olefin content by 25%, and benzene content by 20%. After upgrading from China V to China VI, the environmental and performance characteristics of gasoline and diesel for vehicles are further improved, effectively reducing engine carbon deposits and extending engine lifespan. Currently, vehicles that meet the China VI emission standard include the X-Trail, all-new Sylphy, Tiguan L, Cadillac XT4, Highlander, Camry, new Lavida, Roewe RX5, and Acura CDX hybrid version, among others.
When I used to repair cars, people often asked me about emission standards. The VI you mentioned is actually the Roman numeral 6, representing China's National VI emission standard. This is currently the latest domestic standard, much stricter than the previous National V, mainly targeting nitrogen oxides and particulate matter from vehicle emissions. I remember it was gradually implemented starting in 2019, divided into two phases: National VI a and National VI b. Now most new cars must meet this standard. Driving a National VI car in big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou is more convenient as it's not affected by traffic restrictions. However, be careful - if your car is National V, installing performance-enhancing modifications can easily damage the catalytic converter, directly causing emission exceedance and failing the annual inspection.
Last year when I bought a car, I specifically researched emission standards. The VI you mentioned refers to the China 6 standard. This standard imposes particularly strict controls on vehicle pollutants, especially with high restrictions on particulate matter emissions. There are two notable benefits to buying a China 6 compliant vehicle: one is greater freedom to enter restricted traffic zones, and the other is higher resale value. However, it's important to remember that fueling such vehicles requires attention—always use low-sulfur gasoline from reputable gas stations. Otherwise, the particulate filter can easily get clogged. My former neighbor with an older car used cheap fuel, resulting in the engine light frequently coming on. After several repairs, they discovered the issue was poor fuel quality affecting the emission system.
