What is the difference between China V and China VI?
3 Answers
The differences between China V and China VI are: 1. Different carbon monoxide emission requirements: China V vehicles have a carbon monoxide content of 1000mg per kilometer; China VI vehicles have a carbon monoxide content of 500mg per kilometer. 2. Different letter representations: China V is represented by V; China VI is represented by VI. 3. Different issuing departments: The China V standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection; the China VI standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine. 4. Different control levels: The emission control level of China V standard is equivalent to the fifth-stage emission standard currently implemented in Europe; the emission control level of China VI standard is a standard formulated to prevent environmental pollution caused by exhaust emissions from compression-ignition and gas-fueled spark-ignition engine vehicles and to protect human health.
As someone who cares about the environment, I think the biggest difference between China 6 and China 5 is the stricter emission controls. The China 6 standard sets very low limits for pollutants, such as reducing nitrogen oxides by more than 30% and significantly cutting particulate matter, which helps alleviate urban air pollution. Compared to China 5, China 6 also introduces real driving emission tests, which are closer to actual road conditions and prevent manipulation of lab data alone. In terms of implementation, China 5 was introduced around 2017, while China 6 is rolled out in two phases (A and B), starting gradually from 2019. Personally, I think this change is positive because it pushes automakers to develop cleaner engine technologies, which in the long run can help reduce smog issues. It also makes people feel more at ease when driving, especially in heavily polluted areas. Although the initial cost of buying a China 6-compliant vehicle is higher now, the environmental benefits are absolutely worth it.
As an average car buyer, I'm particularly torn between choosing China 5 or China 6 emission standards when purchasing a new vehicle. The main difference is that China 6 has much stricter emission requirements, with significantly lower limits for pollutants like CO and NOx, which indirectly improves fuel efficiency, making the car more economical to drive. Compared to China 5, China 6 vehicles also require additional sensors and particulate filters, increasing the price by a few thousand yuan, but they retain better resale value, especially in major cities where traffic restrictions favor newer standards. From my experience, China 6 vehicles require slightly more maintenance, with regular system checks needed, but they offer greater peace of mind in the long run, avoiding potential fines for exceeding emission limits. The rollout of China 6A and 6B phases is also progressing quickly, with first-tier cities already fully implementing them. I chose China 6 to avoid future restrictions on road usage.
