What is the Difference Between National 5 and National 6 Vehicles?
2 Answers
The differences between National 5 and National 6 emission standards are as follows: Different Emission Standards: The National 6 emission standard is more than 30% stricter than National 5. 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 National 5 standard was implemented nationwide on January 1, 2017, while the National 6 standard was implemented on July 1, 2019. Different Principles: Under National 5, diesel and gasoline vehicles had different emission standards, but National 6 adopts a fuel-neutral principle, meaning the emission limits are the same regardless of the fuel type. Different Issuing Authorities: The National 5 standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, while the National 6 standard was jointly issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine. Different Letter Representations: National 5 is represented by 'V', while National 6 is represented by 'VI'. Different Monitoring Requirements for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): Compared to National 5, National 6 enhances the monitoring requirements for PHEVs, including energy storage systems, thermal management systems, regenerative braking, drive motors, generators, and other regulatory aspects. National 5 Emission Limits: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 1,000 mg of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Non-methane hydrocarbons must not exceed 68 mg per kilometer. Nitrogen oxides must not exceed 60 mg per kilometer. PM (particulate matter) must not exceed 4.5 mg per kilometer. National 6 has two standards: National 6a and National 6b, as follows: National 6a Emission Limits: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 700 mg of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Non-methane hydrocarbons must not exceed 68 mg per kilometer. Nitrogen oxides must not exceed 60 mg per kilometer. PM must not exceed 4.5 mg per kilometer. National 6b Emission Limits: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 500 mg of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Non-methane hydrocarbons must not exceed 35 mg per kilometer. Nitrogen oxides must not exceed 35 mg per kilometer. PM must not exceed 3 mg per kilometer. Due to the impact of the National 6 emission policy, although National 5 vehicles are not currently affected in terms of normal use, such as driving restrictions or license plate limitations, their resale value will be significantly impacted. For car owners, if they purchase a truck for freight transport via a loan, the depreciation of the vehicle after repaying 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, National 6 vehicles, which have a longer service life and greater road access, offer more advantages.
China 5 is the previous emission standard, while China 6 is the newer and stricter version. Simply put, China 6 emits much lower pollution, with much stricter limits on nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. This is very helpful for improving air quality, especially in big cities where driving a China 6 car on smoggy days feels like making a greater contribution to the environment. However, China 5 cars may still be allowed in some areas and are cheaper. In the long run, China 6 is definitely the trend, so it's important to consider this when buying a car to avoid future restrictions. Last year when I changed my car, I chose a China 6 model even though it cost a bit more, for peace of mind and the environmental benefits.
