What is the difference between China 5 and China 6 vehicle emission standards?

[JocelynAnn]

The differences between China 5 and China 6 emission standards are as follows: Different emission standards: China 6 emission standards are more than 30% stricter than China 5. Excluding the influence of operating conditions and testing, gasoline vehicles' carbon monoxide emissions are reduced by 50%, total hydrocarbons and non-methane hydrocarbons emissions are reduced by 50%, and nitrogen oxide emissions are reduced by 42%. Different implementation times: The China 5 standard was implemented nationwide on January 1, 2017. The China 6 standard has been implemented since July 1, 2019. Different principles: During the China 5 phase, diesel and gasoline vehicles had different emission standards, but China 6 adopts a fuel-neutral principle, meaning that regardless of the fuel type, the emission limits are the same. Different issuing departments: The China 5 standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection. The China 6 standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine. Different letter representations: China 5 is represented by "V," and China 6 is represented by "VI." Different monitoring requirements for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: Compared to China 5, China 6 has improved monitoring requirements for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, including regulations on energy storage systems, thermal management systems, brake regeneration, drive motors, generators, etc. The China 5 standard limits are as follows: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 1,000 milligrams of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 68 milligrams of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 60 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 4.5 milligrams of PM (particulate matter) per kilometer driven. China 6 has two standards: China 6a and China 6b, as detailed below: China 6a standard limits: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 700 milligrams of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 68 milligrams of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 60 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 4.5 milligrams of PM per kilometer driven. China 6b standard limits: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 500 milligrams of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 35 milligrams of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 35 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 3 milligrams of PM per kilometer driven. Affected by the China 6 emission policy, although China 5 vehicles are not currently restricted from normal use (no driving or license plate restrictions), their resale value will be significantly impacted. For car owners, if they purchase a truck for cargo transport via a loan, the vehicle's depreciation after repaying the loan is equivalent to the net profit earned during that period. A higher residual value means more profit for the owner. Therefore, from this perspective, China 6 vehicles, which have a longer service life and more road rights, are more advantageous.

[VanAniyah]

I care deeply about environmental protection, so the difference between China 5 and China 6 emission standards is significant. Simply put, the China 6 standard is much stricter, with far higher requirements for exhaust emissions. Pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides are substantially reduced, making vehicles cleaner. I recall China 5 was implemented in 2017, while China 6 was rolled out in phases starting from 2019, benefiting both air quality and public health. If you're choosing a car, I'd recommend going straight for a China 6-compliant model—not only does it help reduce smog, but it also aligns with the government's green license plate policy, making urban travel more convenient. In the long run, these standards push automakers to upgrade their technologies, such as installing better particulate filters, cutting emissions per kilometer by about half—a genuine consideration for future generations. By the way, when buying a car, check the label carefully: China 6b is the top-tier version, don't mistake it for China 6a.