What is the difference between China V and China VI emission standards?
2 Answers
The following are the differences between China V and China VI emission standards: 1. Emission limits: The China 6a standard requires a carbon monoxide limit of 700 milligrams per kilometer, while the China 6b standard has a limit of only 500 milligrams per kilometer. The China 5 standard requires a carbon monoxide limit of 1000 milligrams per kilometer. 2. Release dates: The China 6 standard was released on June 22, 2018; the China 5 standard was released on September 17, 2013. 3. Issuing authorities: The China 6 standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine; the China 5 standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection.
The differences between China V and China VI standards are quite significant, and I've been pondering them for a while. The key lies in the emission limits—China VI has significantly lowered the thresholds for nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions. For example, values permitted under the older China V standard are nearly halved in the new China VI, placing higher demands on vehicle cleanliness. The testing methods have also been upgraded. China VI introduces real-world driving tests, moving beyond the laboratory simulations used in China V, which better reflects actual pollution levels. The OBD diagnostic system has become more intelligent, enabling more precise monitoring of emission faults. In terms of hardware, vehicles may require additional particulate filters or optimized exhaust treatment devices, affecting engine design and costs. However, in the long run, this pushes automotive technology toward greater environmental friendliness. Future China VII standards will be even stricter, but currently, China VI vehicles hold their value better than China V models, especially in major cities where licensing restrictions are fewer. Opting for a China VI-compliant vehicle when purchasing is the safer choice to avoid future hassles.