When is the implementation time of China VI?
2 Answers
Key regions, including the Pearl River Delta and Chengdu-Chongqing areas, implemented China VI standards on July 1, 2019, while the rest of the regions adopted them starting from July 1, 2020. Here is a related introduction about China VI emissions: Benefits of China VI over China V: The China VI emission standard is an upgraded version of the current China V standard. It imposes stricter limits on emissions of CO (carbon monoxide), THC (total hydrocarbons), NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbons), NOX (nitrogen oxides), and PM (particulate matter) compared to the China V standard. Additionally, it introduces new regulations on PN (particulate number) emissions. According to estimates, under the China VI standard, light-duty gasoline vehicles will see approximately a 50% reduction in emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, non-methane total hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides compared to the China V phase, with particulate matter emissions reduced by about 40%. Implementation timeline: Given the significant upgrade in the China VI emission standard, to provide automakers with a buffer period for upgrading vehicle models and powertrain systems as well as production preparation, the China VI standard has established two phases of emission limit plans: China VIa and China VIb. The relatively lenient China VIa phase was fully implemented on July 1, 2020, while China VIb will be fully implemented on July 1, 2023.
China's Stage 6 emission standards were implemented in two phases, and I've studied them thoroughly. The nationwide implementation of Stage 6a started on July 1, 2020, but major cities like Beijing and Shanghai adopted it earlier, beginning in 2019. Then Stage 6b was rolled out nationwide on July 1, 2023, though provinces like Guangdong and Zhejiang implemented it ahead of schedule as early as 2021. For heavy-duty vehicles, the standards took effect from July 2021. There are significant regional variations in implementation timelines, so it's crucial to check local policies before purchasing a vehicle. A friend of mine in Shenzhen almost got into trouble—he bought a Stage 5 vehicle in 2019 but couldn't get it registered. Nowadays, most newly manufactured vehicles comply with Stage 6b, featuring more refined exhaust treatment systems. A reminder: Stage 5 vehicles can be transferred between Stage 6 regions, but you absolutely cannot register a new Stage 5 vehicle in a Stage 6 region. When buying used cars, it's best to choose Stage 6-compliant ones.
