When is the implementation time for China VI vehicles?
3 Answers
China VI standards are divided into two phases, a and b. Starting from July 1, 2020, at the earliest, all light-duty vehicles sold and registered must fully comply with China VI. Below is a detailed introduction to the vehicle emission standards: 1. China III emission standards: The specific implementation times were July 1, 2009, for light-duty diesel vehicles; July 1, 2010, for heavy-duty gasoline vehicles; and July 1, 2008, for heavy-duty gas vehicles and heavy-duty diesel vehicles. 2. China IV emission standards: The nationwide implementation times were July 1, 2013, for light-duty diesel vehicles; July 1, 2013, for heavy-duty gasoline vehicles; January 1, 2011, for heavy-duty gas vehicles; and July 1, 2013, for heavy-duty diesel vehicles. 3. China V emission standards: Starting from July 1, 2017, China V emission standards were fully implemented nationwide. Compared to China IV, nitrogen oxide emissions were reduced by 25%, and new PM emission limits were added, making the standards stricter. 4. China VI emission standards: China VI standards are divided into two phases, 6A and 6B. The first phase began on July 1, 2020, prohibiting the sale, registration, and licensing of vehicles below the 6A emission standard. The second phase will start on July 1, 2023, prohibiting the sale, registration, and licensing of vehicles below the 6B emission standard.
I've always been a car enthusiast, so I paid special attention to the China VI emission standards. I remember that starting from July 2019, China VIa was implemented in some major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. At that time, I was considering changing my car, so I quickly looked into the benefits of vehicles meeting the new standards. By July 2020, China VIb was fully rolled out, meaning all newly launched light-duty gasoline and diesel vehicles had to comply with this stricter emission standard, which reduced pollutants by more than half. I chose a China VIb-compliant car back then, and not only does it emit cleaner exhaust, but I also feel the engine responds faster and it's more fuel-efficient on long trips. If you're planning to buy a car, make sure to check whether the production date is after the implementation date, otherwise you might end up with an older standard vehicle. Looking back now, this policy has encouraged people to upgrade their vehicles, which has had a positive impact on both the environment and driving experience.
As someone who has been working in the automotive industry for a long time, let me talk about the implementation timeline of China 6 emission standards. Customers often ask me when it was implemented, and I tell them that China 6a was piloted in certain regions like Shanghai and Guangzhou starting from July 2019, which is when our dealership began promoting China 6-compliant vehicles. The full implementation came in July 2020, requiring all new vehicles to meet the stricter China 6b standards, with significantly tightened emission requirements—carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides were reduced by more than half. When selling cars, we have to help customers check the VIN to confirm the production date, ensuring they purchase compliant vehicles. This implementation wave also caused fluctuations in the used car market, making older vehicles more prone to being phased out. I often advise car owners to perform regular maintenance and check their emission systems in advance, especially when buying used cars—don’t just go for cheaper, older-standard vehicles. These changes have driven industry progress and significantly improved air quality.
