What happens to China V vehicles after the implementation of China VI standards?
3 Answers
The following are the impacts of China VI standards on China V vehicles: 1. Starting from January 1, 2019, used cars that do not meet China VI emission standards will no longer be allowed to be relocated to Shenzhen from other regions. Cities such as Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong, Shanxi, and Henan will gradually implement China VI standards and supply gasoline and diesel that meet these standards. 2. China V vehicles can still be driven on the road without any issues. 3. It is possible to upgrade a vehicle to meet China VI standards. Upgrading the vehicle's three-way catalytic converter is considered a modification, and currently, the only legal modification is replacing the original part with another original part. Modifying components like the three-way catalytic converter must be reported and approved in advance.
From an environmental protection perspective, I believe that after the implementation of the China VI emission standards, owners of China V vehicles need to carefully consider their options. The new standards primarily aim to reduce pollution, and China V vehicles have relatively higher emissions, which may face restrictions in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai where there are emission-related traffic control zones, with potentially more regulations in the future. Personally, I think this issue is quite important—continuing to drive high-emission vehicles is not only unfriendly to the environment but may also affect daily commuting convenience. If your car is still relatively new, you might explore whether it’s possible to upgrade parts or install emission-reduction devices, though the process can be complex and costly. For long-term use, it’s advisable to reduce long-distance trips and opt for public transport or carpooling to help control pollution. If financially feasible, consider trading in your China V vehicle for a China VI-compliant or electric vehicle while the used car market hasn’t depreciated too much—this would be both cost-effective and supportive of a greener lifestyle. In short, don’t panic, but it’s wise to prepare early.
As an ordinary person who has been driving for over a decade, I think China V vehicles can still be driven even after the implementation of China VI standards, so there's no need to worry too much. For example, my own China V car works perfectly fine for daily commutes and shopping, and most cities haven't immediately banned them. The key is to pay attention to changes in annual inspections: emission tests will be stricter, and older cars may have more difficulty passing. It's advisable to maintain the engine and catalytic converter in advance to avoid getting stuck. In terms of regions, small cities won't be much affected, but license plate restrictions may apply when moving across provinces—don't try your luck in popular areas. The resale value of used cars has definitely dropped a bit, but selling in a hurry would mean losing money. It's better to keep driving until the technology becomes more widespread. Pay attention to driving habits—avoid slamming the accelerator—to save some fuel and reduce pollution. There's really no need to rush into changing cars unless you live in a big city or travel frequently.
