What is the difference between China 5 and China 6 vehicle emission standards?
2 Answers
China 6 emission standards differ from China 5 primarily in emission limits, with a 77% reduction in nitrogen oxides and a 67% reduction in particulate matter. Below are details about the China 6 emission standards: China 6 Emission Standards: Total hydrocarbons are limited to 50mg/km, non-methane hydrocarbons to 35mg/km, nitrogen oxides to 30mg/km, and particulate matter to 3.0mg/km. This means carbon monoxide emissions, total hydrocarbons, and non-methane hydrocarbons must be reduced by more than 50% compared to previous standards. Models compliant with China 6 standards: Acura CDX Hybrid, SAIC Roewe RX5, Infiniti QX50, Kia K5, Ford Focus, etc.
The biggest difference between China 5 and China 6 is the much stricter emission controls. From my daily driving experience, the China 6 standard significantly reduces vehicle pollutants, especially nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are cut by almost half. Why is that? China 5 was introduced around 2017, but China 6a was launched in 2019, and China 6b was implemented in 2020. The new standard uses more advanced testing methods, such as Real Driving Emissions (RDE), meaning vehicles must pass tests on actual roads. Previously, China 5 tests were mostly conducted in labs, but China 6 requires testing to be closer to real-world driving conditions. For me, the benefits are significant—urban air quality has noticeably improved, with fewer foggy days, for example. However, car prices might be higher because manufacturers need to install better catalytic converters or particulate filters. In the long run, with such policies in place, China 6 vehicles may have better resale value. After all, the country is pushing hard to reduce pollution, so choosing a China 6 car is more environmentally friendly and safer for us owners.
