What is the difference between China V and China VI vehicle emission standards?

[Malcolm]

The differences between China V and China VI emission standards are as follows: Different emission standards: China VI standards are more than 30% stricter than China V. Excluding the influence of driving 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 V standard was implemented nationwide on January 1, 2017. The China VI standard has been implemented since July 1, 2019. Different principles: During the China V phase, diesel and gasoline vehicles had different emission standards, but China VI adopts a fuel-neutral principle, meaning the emission limits are the same regardless of the fuel type. 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. Different letter representations: China V is represented by "V," while China VI is represented by "VI." Different monitoring requirements for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs): Compared to China V, China VI has improved monitoring requirements for PHEVs, including energy storage systems, thermal management systems, brake regeneration, drive motors, generators, and other regulations. China V standard limits are as follows: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 1,000 mg of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 68 mg of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 60 mg of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 4.5 mg of PM (particulate matter) per kilometer driven. China VI has two standards: China VIa and China VIb. The details are as follows: China VIa standard limits: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 700 mg of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 68 mg of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 60 mg of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 4.5 mg of PM per kilometer driven. China VIb standard limits: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 500 mg of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 35 mg of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 35 mg of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 3 mg of PM per kilometer driven. Affected by the China VI emission policy, although China V vehicles can still be used normally without restrictions like traffic bans or license plate limitations, their resale value will be significantly impacted. For car owners, if they purchase a truck on loan for cargo transport, the depreciation of the vehicle after paying off the loan is equivalent to the net profit earned during that period. A higher residual value means more profit for the owner. Therefore, from this perspective, China VI vehicles, which have a longer service life and more road rights, offer greater advantages.

[VanAyla]

When chatting with friends about cars, we often discuss the differences between China 5 and China 6 emission standards. The main impression is that the China 6 standard is much stricter with significantly higher emission requirements. For instance, the limits for nitrogen oxides and particulate matter are nearly halved. New vehicles now must be equipped with more advanced exhaust treatment systems like DPF or SCR, which might increase costs slightly. Since driving a China 6 compliant car, I've noticed better fuel efficiency and smoother power output, though maintenance might require extra attention to sensor components due to the real-time monitoring under China 6. Overall, this upgrade is beneficial—it makes vehicles cleaner and better for the environment, contributing to long-term air quality protection and reducing urban smog. Nowadays, opting for a China 6 compliant car is definitely more cost-effective, helping avoid driving restrictions in some cities and providing greater peace of mind on the road.