What is the difference between China III and China IV motorcycle emission standards?
3 Answers
China III and China IV have different emission standards. The following is an introduction to China III and China IV emission standards: Introduction to China III emission standard: The China III standard refers to the third stage of China's vehicle emission standards. The China III emission standard is equivalent to the Euro III emission standard, with similar levels of tailpipe pollutant emissions. The difference is that new vehicles must be equipped with an OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) system. Introduction to China IV emission standard: Motorcycles and mopeds are classified based on maximum design speed and displacement. Motorcycles refer to those powered by spark-ignition engines with a maximum design speed exceeding 50km/h or displacement exceeding 50mL, as well as three-wheeled motorcycles powered by compression-ignition (diesel) engines with a maximum design speed exceeding 50km/h or displacement exceeding 50mL.
As a motorcycle enthusiast, I've ridden both China III and China IV compliant bikes, and the main differences lie in environmental protection and fuel consumption. The China III standard has less stringent emission requirements, with many bikes using old-fashioned carburetors, resulting in higher fuel consumption and more pollution. The China IV standard is an upgrade, mostly adopting electronic fuel injection systems, leading to cleaner emissions with significantly reduced pollutants like carbon monoxide, and lower fuel consumption in the long run, which can save money. However, China IV compliant bikes are more expensive initially, but in terms of performance, they start faster, have less vibration, and ride more smoothly. With current policies pushing for environmental protection, China IV bikes also have easier annual inspections, while older non-compliant bikes can't be used on the road. So, if you're buying a new bike, it's better to choose a China IV compliant one—good for both the environment and yourself.
From my cycling experience, the differences between China III and China IV standards: The China IV emission standards are much stricter, limiting harmful substances such as hydrocarbons and adding an OBD diagnostic system to automatically detect faults, which China III lacks, making maintenance more prone to omissions; technically, China IV mostly uses precise electronic fuel injection control, while China III relies more on carburetors, resulting in the former having 5%-10% lower fuel consumption, saving a bit on daily urban riding costs. China IV vehicles are more expensive, but their durability is better, and fewer repairs can balance the expenses. From an environmental perspective, China IV plays a crucial role in reducing pollution, runs quieter, and is overall greener.
