When was China 6 implemented?
2 Answers
Key regions, the Pearl River Delta region, and the Chengdu-Chongqing region implemented China 6 on July 1, 2019, while the rest of the regions implemented China 6 starting from July 1, 2020. Below is an introduction to China 6 emissions: 1. Benefits of China 6 over China 5: The China 6 emission standard is an upgraded version of the current China 5 emission 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 5 standard, and additionally includes regulations on PN (particulate number). According to estimates, under the China 6 emission standard, light gasoline vehicles will reduce emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, non-methane total hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides by approximately 50% compared to the China 5 phase, with particulate matter emissions reduced by about 40%. 2. Implementation timeline: Due to the significant upgrade in the China 6 emission standard, to provide automakers with a buffer period for upgrading vehicle models and powertrain systems and preparing for production, the China 6 emission standard has established two phases of emission limit plans: China 6a and China 6b. The relatively lenient China 6a phase will be fully implemented on July 1, 2020, while China 6b will be fully implemented on July 1, 2023.
I remember the China 6 emission standards caused quite a stir. It was implemented in two phases: China 6a and China 6b. China 6a was first rolled out in key regions like Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin on July 1, 2019, while China 6b wasn't enforced nationwide until July 1, 2020. Some cities, such as Shenzhen, even piloted China 6b a few months earlier. Why the phased approach? Because the standards were raised too drastically at once, requiring both automakers and gas stations to adapt. New vehicles had to be equipped with better exhaust treatment systems, like particulate filters. Nowadays, most cars come with the China 6 label, but older models, like China 5, depreciate quickly—so check the manufacturing year when buying used cars. Maintaining a China 6 vehicle requires careful attention to fuel quality; avoid subpar engine oil to prevent fault lights from coming on. Drivers should stay updated on local policy changes, as major cities enforce stricter regulations earlier.
