What is the National VI Standard?
2 Answers
It refers to National VI, which is the China 6 emission standard. Below is a detailed introduction about the China 6 emission standard: 1. Implementation Time: Starting from 2019, various cities and regions across China have gradually begun implementing the China 6 standard, which is known as the strictest emission standard ever. Initially, the China 6a standard was implemented, which is not very strict, while China 6b is the true China 6 standard. The China 6a standard was implemented as a transitional standard from China 5 to China 6, and the China 6b standard is expected to be officially implemented in 2023. 2. Differences Between China 6 and China 5 Emission Standards: In the China 6b phase, most indicators are 50% stricter compared to the China 5 standard. According to estimates, under the China 6 emission standard, the emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, non-methane total hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides from light-duty gasoline vehicles will be reduced by approximately 50% compared to the China 5 phase, and particulate matter emissions will be reduced by about 40%. For heavy-duty diesel vehicles, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter will be reduced by more than 60% compared to the China 5 phase. Considering that vehicle exhaust accounts for 20%~40% of air pollution in first-tier cities, implementing the China 6 standard can lead to a significant improvement of over 10% in urban air quality.
I remember it took me some effort to understand the China 6 standard back then. Its full name is the Sixth Stage National Vehicle Pollutant Emission Standard, mainly regulating vehicle exhaust emissions. China introduced this to reduce air pollution, with limits 40%-50% stricter than the old China 5 standard, targeting harmful gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Currently, it's divided into China 6a and China 6b tiers, with the b tier being the strictest. New vehicles must comply to get licensed, otherwise even a used car might fail annual inspections. I've noticed many older models depreciating in value because of this, and manufacturers are improving engines by adding devices like particulate filters. In the long run, this benefits the environment by reducing smog and promoting new energy vehicle adoption. As someone who's driven various cars, I recommend beginners prioritize China 6b-compliant vehicles when buying – they're both eco-friendly and hassle-free. Implementation timelines vary by region, with tier-1 cities adopting first, so we should pay attention to local policies.
