What is the emission standard for cars from 2016?
2 Answers
2016 cars may comply with either the China IV or China V emission standards. The China V emission standard was implemented nationwide on January 1, 2017, but some cities adopted it earlier. Car owners can identify their vehicle's emission standard through the car's invoice, environmental label, and vehicle registration certificate. Below are the impacts brought by the China VI emission standard: 1. China IV vehicles may no longer be allowed to register, and China V new cars may depreciate faster: After the implementation of the China VI emission standard, China V and China IV vehicles will be affected. China IV vehicles may face registration bans or driving restrictions. After the launch of China VI, the resale value of China V vehicles will drop, causing a significant impact on the used car market. The restriction on relocation policies will ultimately lead to a decline in used car prices. 2. Consumer car purchase costs may increase: Due to the stricter China VI emission standard, automakers will upgrade components, leading to rising R&D costs and price increases, which will also raise the cost of car purchases for consumers. This is something consumers need to consider when buying a car. 3. Vehicle usage costs may increase: With stricter emission standards, fuel quality will also be upgraded, leading to higher fuel costs. Additionally, vehicle maintenance costs may change accordingly.
Oh, I've driven quite a few 2016 model year cars, including my own Volkswagen Golf. Checking the data shows they mostly meet China V emission standards. When buying a new car that year, the 4S dealership specifically mentioned that China V had just become widely adopted and was considered mainstream. The environmental compliance stickers clearly state it, and you can verify by logging into the Traffic Management 12123 APP. Nowadays, with strict urban traffic restrictions, China V vehicles can still enter city centers, but if the production date is early 2016 or the exhaust system is aging, emissions might fail to meet standards and get flagged. I recommend regular maintenance, using higher-quality engine oil and air filters to ensure cleaner combustion—saving fuel while protecting the environment. I remember during one annual inspection, my neighbor’s car failed due to excessive emissions and only passed after replacing some parts. Overall, China V dominates among 2016 cars, but when buying used, it’s best to bring a car-savvy friend to test the emission levels.