What is the Difference Between National IV and National V Vehicles?

[MollyFitz]

Here are the specific differences between National IV and National V: 1. Sulfur content: The upper limit of sulfur content in National IV standard gasoline is 10mg; for National V standard gasoline, it is 50mg. 2. Emission limits: National V has stricter controls on nitrogen oxides compared to National IV, with National V stipulating an emission limit of 25%. The National IV emission standard is the 4th stage national standard for motor vehicle pollutant emissions. Major automotive pollutants include HC, NOx, CO, PM, etc. Technologies such as improved catalytic converter active layers, secondary air injection, and exhaust gas recirculation systems with cooling devices are applied to meet these standards.

[MacRuth]

Last time I considered buying a car, I focused on comparing the differences between National IV and National V models. National IV vehicles were generally produced before 2017, with looser emission standards and higher pollutant levels—exhaust emissions like particulate matter and carbon monoxide were more likely to exceed limits. The advantage was their lower price, with used models available for just a few thousand yuan. However, the downside is that they now face restrictions in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, where driving them into urban areas may result in fines or entry bans. National V models, on the other hand, became mainstream after 2017, featuring cleaner emissions and optimized engine tuning for better fuel efficiency, saving money on gas in the long run. Although new National V cars cost 10,000 to 20,000 yuan more upfront, they hold their value better and ensure smoother resale or annual inspections in the future. None of my friends who chose National V models regretted it, especially as environmental regulations tighten—opting for newer standards is the smarter choice.

[Daniella]

From an environmental perspective, the core difference between China IV and China V vehicles lies in pollutant reduction. The China V standard is significantly stricter than China IV, reducing hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emissions by over 30%. This means driving China V vehicles in urban areas leads to noticeable air quality improvements, reducing acid rain and PM2.5, which benefits respiratory health. I recall during the China IV era, exhaust often emitted black smoke, whereas China V vehicles are equipped with particulate filters, making them quieter and cleaner to operate. Although manufacturers use slightly more materials during production, making them marginally more expensive, this small investment is worthwhile for long-term health and environmental benefits. The government's implementation of this standard has also accelerated the trend towards new energy vehicles.

[LeJune]

I bought a used China IV standard car, affordable indeed, just twenty to thirty thousand yuan to drive away; but compared to China V, the gap is significant. China IV cars face difficulties in getting licensed in hotspot cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, frequent traffic restrictions, and troublesome transfers; while China V used cars are priced a bit higher, usually five to six thousand more, with better emission compliance, faster resale, and one-time inspection pass. Overall, for peace of mind, it's better to choose China V, as China IV is gradually being phased out after regulatory updates.

[SanBraxton]

Living in Shanghai, I face a lot of issues driving a China IV standard vehicle. Traffic police enforce strict checks, I can't enter peak-hour restricted zones, and may encounter environmental taxes when refueling. In contrast, China V standard vehicles face no restrictions and can drive freely in urban areas. The key difference lies in emissions—China V engines are optimized, with more stable idling and easier vehicle inspections, unlike China IV vehicles which often have minor issues. Choosing the right emission standard saves a lot of hassle.

[SanAdalynn]

From a technical perspective, the differences between China IV and China V standards lie in the advancement of engines and aftertreatment systems: China V enhances exhaust treatment, such as adding urea injection to reduce NOx emissions, ensuring more efficient combustion and slightly faster acceleration response; China IV is simpler, easier to maintain but with higher emissions. In daily driving, China V vehicles are about 5% more fuel-efficient, with slightly higher component replacement costs, such as more expensive catalytic converters, but overall better durability.