What is the Chinese national emission standard equivalent to Euro IV?
2 Answers
Vehicle emission standard IV corresponds to China's National IV standard. The current emission standard is the National VI standard. The implementation of strict emission standards by the government helps regulate automakers, encouraging them to produce more environmentally friendly vehicles. Additionally, stringent emission standards can phase out older vehicles that fail to meet the required emission levels. The initial phase of the National VI standard is National VIa, which serves as a transitional period from National V to National VI. It is expected that the National VIb standard will be implemented by 2023. Compared to National V, the National VIa standard only imposes stricter limits on carbon monoxide emissions, while maintaining the same requirements for other pollutants as National V.
I've been driving for over a decade, and when it comes to emission standards, you need to understand they're designed to control exhaust pollution. Emission standard IV is what we call China's National IV standard in China, introduced after 2008 specifically to limit nitrogen oxide and carbon particulate emissions. My old car, for example, carries the Euro 4 label and is more fuel-efficient, but now many major cities restrict National IV vehicles from entering urban areas, and annual inspections are stricter. If you own such a vehicle, regular maintenance of the engine and catalytic converter is essential—otherwise, you'll need repairs if emissions fail inspection. In short, the National IV standard was a transitional phase, and upgrading to National V or VI vehicles is more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
