What is China IV?
3 Answers
China IV refers to the National Phase IV Motor Vehicle Pollutant Emission Standards. The main pollutants emitted by vehicles include hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. Through the application of technologies such as improved catalytic converter active layers, secondary air injection, and exhaust gas recirculation systems with cooling devices, these standards aim to control and reduce vehicle emissions below specified limits. As the environmental harm caused by vehicle emissions becomes increasingly severe, countries and regions worldwide have successively established limits on vehicle exhaust emissions. Among these, the European standards set by the European Union serve as a reference for most countries and regions.
I'm a car enthusiast who usually studies various automotive standards. China IV refers to the China Phase IV vehicle emission standards, which specifically denote the fourth-stage pollutant emission limits for motor vehicles in China. This standard was introduced around 2008. I remember there were still many China III vehicles back then, but after the upgrade to China IV, sulfur oxide emissions significantly decreased. Looking back now, the evolution of emission standards has been rapid—from China I to the current China VI. Vehicle inspections have become easier to pass, and the used car market has become more standardized. I recommend car owners regularly check their emission systems, such as the three-way catalytic converter, to avoid blockages that could affect performance.
I have an old car at home, and after checking the information, I found that China IV is the National IV standard, equivalent to the fourth level of vehicle exhaust control. When buying a car, I encountered issues—some cities like Shanghai restrict National IV vehicles, affecting travel convenience. I noticed that new cars produced around 2010 generally meet the National IV requirements. To identify it, check the emission label on the vehicle's nameplate. During maintenance, keeping the exhaust pipe clean reduces pollution and saves fuel.
