What is the difference between China 6 and China 5?

[CarlosRose]

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 working 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, as the fifth stage of national motor vehicle emission standards. China 6 was implemented from July 1, 2019. Different principles: In the China 5 stage, diesel vehicles 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'; 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 energy storage systems, thermal management systems, brake regeneration, drive motors, generators, and other regulations. The China 5 standard limits are as follows: Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 1,000 milligrams of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 68 milligrams of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 60 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 4.5 milligrams of PM fine particles per kilometer driven. China 6 has two standards: China 6a and China 6b, as follows: China 6a standard limits: Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 700 milligrams of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 68 milligrams of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 60 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 4.5 milligrams of PM fine particles per kilometer driven. China 6b standard limits: Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 500 milligrams of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 35 milligrams of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 35 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 3 milligrams of PM fine particles per kilometer driven. Affected by the China 6 emission policy, although China 5 vehicles are not currently restricted in normal use, with no driving or license plate restrictions, the resale value of the vehicles will be significantly impacted. For car owners, if they purchase a truck for freight transport with a loan, after repaying the loan, the vehicle's depreciation is equivalent to the net profit earned by the owner during that period. A higher residual value means the owner earns more. Therefore, from this perspective, China 6 vehicles, with longer service life and more road rights, have more advantages.

[CarmenRose]

The most obvious difference between China 6 and China 5 is the stricter emission standards. China 6 has significantly lower limits for pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter compared to China 5, equivalent to roughly a 50% reduction. I specifically researched this when buying a car. Although China 6 vehicles are slightly more expensive, they are more environmentally friendly in the long run because they are equipped with technologies like particulate filters, which can filter more exhaust gases. Nowadays, new car registrations are basically mandatory for China 6, while China 5 vehicles can only circulate in the used car market. In the future, some cities may even restrict older vehicles, affecting daily commutes. Personally, I think young people should opt directly for China 6 when buying a car—it has higher resale value and offers more peace of mind, especially in big cities with severe air pollution. This upgrade genuinely benefits health. Moreover, as policies push for new energy vehicles, China 6 seems more like a transitional standard, but at this stage, it is undoubtedly the more advanced choice.

[VanElizabeth]

From an owner's perspective, the difference between China 5 and China 6 standards directly impacts both wallet and practicality. When I bought a China 5 car years ago, it was significantly cheaper, but now with the full implementation of China 6 standards, China 5 cars depreciate faster and fetch lower resale prices. Additionally, China 6 vehicles have more complex maintenance requirements, such as the additional GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter) for emission control, which can lead to higher repair costs if issues arise, whereas China 5 cars are simpler in this regard. Fuel economy is similar between the two, but China 6 cars pass annual inspections more easily, while China 5 vehicles might face restrictions in the future. In conclusion, for family cars, I recommend prioritizing China 6 models given the tightening environmental policies and greater peace of mind they offer. If budget constraints lead you to choose a used China 5 car, be sure to check the emission system's condition to avoid additional expenses from potential failures.

[Edward]

Simply put, China 6 is much stricter than China 5. The emission limits, such as nitrogen oxides, have been reduced by about 50%. Real-world driving tests have also been added to ensure vehicles do not exceed standards on actual roads. Technologically, China 6 introduces particulate filters and more refined engine control to reduce soot and pollution, which China 5 vehicles lack. In actual driving, China 6 vehicles may have slightly weaker low-end torque, but overall power remains unchanged. The standard is divided into China 6a and 6b phases, with 6b being the strictest and currently the mainstream implementation, which can better improve urban air quality and promote the development of new energy vehicles.

[LaGenevieve]

The China VI upgrade is primarily aimed at environmental protection, with significantly stricter control over air pollutants compared to China V. For instance, the emission limits for PM2.5 particulate matter have been drastically reduced, meaning exhaust emissions from each vehicle on the road are cleaner, helping to alleviate smog issues. While focusing on environmental concerns, I discovered that the China VI standard can improve air quality and reduce health risks. Policy-wise, China VI has replaced China V as the mandatory standard for new vehicles, influencing car purchasing decisions and encouraging people to opt for low-emission or electric vehicles. I recommend prioritizing support for China VI, as it benefits both the planet and future generations in the long run.