What is the emission standard for a 2015 car?
3 Answers
A 2015 car is compliant with China IV emission standard. The vehicle's emission standard can be found on the windshield by checking the label behind the environmental compliance sticker. If the car doesn't have this sticker, you'll need to determine its emission standard through alternative methods. Ways to check a car's emission standard: 1. Visit the official website of the Motor Vehicle Exhaust Pollution Supervision and Management Center; 2. Bring the vehicle registration certificate to the local vehicle management office for inquiry; 3. For new cars, check the vehicle's factory certificate where this information is listed. The 'China X' standard refers to the National Standard for Motor Vehicle Pollutant Emissions, which sets limits on carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter in vehicle exhaust. Higher numbers indicate stricter standards and relatively lower pollution levels from exhaust emissions.
As someone who drove a 2015 car, looking back, the main emission standard at that time was China V. 2015 was a transitional year—China V had been implemented since 2013, and by then, most newly manufactured cars met this standard. When buying a car, you needed to check the environmental label or the VIN—if it said China V, that was pretty much it. I remember my car was quite fuel-efficient, and it passed emission tests and annual inspections with ease. If you bought a 2015 car, you had to check whether it was sold in a license-plate-restricted city—some areas like Beijing might have adopted China VI earlier. Overall, it wasn’t bad—it helped the environment by reducing pollutant emissions and ran smoothly on highways. I’d advise checking the emission standard carefully when buying a used car to avoid getting a China IV car disguised as newer.
From an environmental perspective, most 2015 vehicles comply with the China V emission standard. China V was an upgraded standard implemented after previous versions, piloted in 2013 and fully rolled out in 2015, which significantly reduced NOx and PM pollutants. My research on emission impacts shows that driving China V-compliant cars is cleaner than older models, contributing to better urban air quality. A small percentage of owners might have purchased China IV models, but they are in the minority. I recommend checking the vehicle's environmental label or VIN code for confirmation. Upgrading emission standards isn't just about environmental protection—it also helps with vehicle resale value and makes annual inspections smoother. Personally, I feel more responsible knowing my car has lower emissions when driving. Though policies evolved with China VI introduced later, China V remained the mainstream standard for 2015 models. When choosing a car, prioritizing higher emission standards is better for the environment.
