What is the difference between National 5 and National 6 emission standards?
2 Answers
The differences between National 5 and National 6 emission standards are as follows: 1. Different requirements for carbon monoxide emissions: National 5 requires carbon monoxide content to be 1000mg per kilometer; National 6 requires carbon monoxide content to be 500mg per kilometer. 2. Different letter representations: National 5 is represented by V; National 6 is represented by VI. 3. Different issuing departments: The National 5 standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection; The National 6 standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine. Extended information: Automobile emission standards refer to regulations on the content of harmful gases such as CO (carbon monoxide), HC+NOx (hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides), and PM (particulate matter, soot) emitted from vehicle exhaust.
As a seasoned driver, I've been driving a China 5 standard car for years without major issues. But after switching to a China 6 vehicle, I immediately noticed much cleaner exhaust emissions—less black smoke on the roads and slightly fresher air. The China 6 standards are significantly stricter than China 5, slashing nitrogen oxide limits by half and imposing tougher controls on particulate matter. Testing now uses real-driving simulations instead of just lab tests like China 5. Fuel consumption hasn’t changed noticeably in my China 6 car, though some parts (like upgraded batteries and catalytic converters) may cost more during maintenance. Long-term, this pushes EV development and helps reduce urban smog. However, the higher upfront cost (around 10k–20k RMB more) and faster depreciation of China 5 used cars mean buyers must weigh eco-friendliness against budget. Bottom line: emission upgrades are positive, but no rush to replace older cars.
