What is the difference between China V and China VI gasoline?
3 Answers
The differences between China V and China VI gasoline are: 1. Different sulfur content: The upper limit of sulfur content in China V gasoline is 10 mg per kilogram, while in China VI gasoline it is 50 mg per kilogram; 2. Different particle numbers: China V gasoline vehicles have a 25% higher NOx emission standard compared to China VI. China V was implemented on January 1, 2017, while China VI emission standards will include two phases, China 6a and China 6b, with new light-duty vehicle registrations required to meet China 6a emission standards starting from July 1, 2019. Gasoline is a volatile, flammable hydrocarbon mixture liquid derived from petroleum distillation or cracking, and can be used as fuel.
Recently, I was considering changing my car and realized there are significant differences between China V and China VI gasoline vehicles. China V follows the older standard with looser emission requirements, imposing less stringent limits on nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), resulting in more harmful substances in the exhaust and contributing more easily to smog. In contrast, China VI is much stricter, reducing NOx emissions to almost one-third of China V levels and further limiting particulate matter, requiring engines to be equipped with more efficient catalytic converters. This leads to a noticeable improvement in air quality, especially making driving in big cities more reassuring. I looked it up and found that China VI is further divided into Phase A and Phase B, with Phase B being even stricter—new cars after 2023 are mandated to meet China VI B standards. However, China VI vehicles might be more expensive with higher maintenance costs, so balancing environmental benefits and budget is necessary. When choosing a car, checking the label can help distinguish between them, and prioritizing China VI is better for both health and travel.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I've encountered the differences between China 5 and China 6 emission standards. Under the China 5 standard, the engine's emission treatment was relatively simple, making it easier for exhaust to exceed limits, especially with heavy smoke during winter driving. The China 6 standard represents an upgrade, imposing stricter controls on pollutants—for example, reducing hydrocarbon limits to half of China 5's levels and incorporating advanced onboard diagnostic systems. This means China 6 vehicles have cleaner power output, but their exhaust systems are more complex, with components like catalytic converters and sensors being more prone to issues, making repairs a bit more troublesome. Additionally, China 6 gasoline has lower sulfur content requirements, approximately 10ppm compared to China 5's 50ppm, leading to smoother engine performance and less carbon buildup when the tank is full. Overall, China 6 vehicles are more adaptable to road conditions and environmentally friendly, but new drivers should be mindful of regular maintenance and not skimp on costs.
