What is the release date of the China VI emission standard?
3 Answers
The China VI emission standard was released on December 23, 2016. Below is relevant information about the China VI standard: 1. Introduction to China VI: The China VI standard is an upgrade of the 'China V' standard, formulated based on international standards. It is currently one of the strictest emission standards globally, meeting the EU's current vehicle fuel quality standards, with some indicators even surpassing EU standards. 2. China VI emission standards: (1) China VI A: CO carbon monoxide 700, NMHC non-methane hydrocarbons 68, THC total hydrocarbons 100, NOx nitrogen oxides 60, PM particulate matter 4.5. (2) China VI B: CO 500, THC 50, NMHC 35, NOx 5.
Let me tell you about the China 6 emission standards. As I recall, it was officially released on December 23, 2016. Back then, I was researching automotive technology and learned that it was implemented in two phases: China 6a and China 6b. China 6a started on July 1, 2020, while China 6b was strictly enforced from July 1, 2023. These standards are extremely stringent, pushing exhaust emissions to ultra-low levels—for instance, cutting carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides by nearly half. This forced automakers to adopt more advanced catalyst and particulate filter technologies. I've checked the data—it introduced new testing methods like the WLTC cycle, which better simulates real urban driving conditions. Nowadays, all new vehicles meet China 6b standards, so you’ve got to be careful with used cars—avoid older China 5 models that can’t be driven in big cities. Overall, China 6 has made engines more efficient, saving fuel and being eco-friendly in the long run, but it also drove up costs and accelerated the shift toward new energy vehicles. I’m really curious to see how China 7 will evolve.
Why should we car owners pay so much attention to these details in daily driving? China 6 was released at the end of 2016, specifically on December 23rd. I remember that new cars sold after 2020 had to carry the China 6a label, and now in 2023, it's even stricter with China 6b, causing older cars to depreciate faster. When I changed my car last year, I was hesitant, but the salesperson advised me to buy a China 6b vehicle. Although it cost a bit more, it holds its value better and makes the air cleaner. The benefit for ordinary drivers is that the exhaust smell is lighter, there are fewer smoggy days, and health risks are reduced. I remind everyone to maintain their cars regularly and check the vehicle's emission system, otherwise, it might be hard to pass the annual inspection in big cities. The policy is a slow and steady process, with a buffer period to avoid market chaos, but occasionally, friends complain about rising car prices, and we just have to bear with it. In the long run, it pushes the industry to be cleaner, and I support this change.
