Why does the China VI engine experience a decrease in power?
3 Answers
China VI engines experience a decrease in power because the higher the emission standards, the stronger the power response lag, which leads to a reduction in power. The most likely component affecting performance is the particulate filter, which is a filter element installed in the exhaust system. It filters out particulate matter from the exhaust, effectively adding a 'mask' to the exhaust system, increasing exhaust resistance and resulting in decreased engine performance and increased fuel consumption. An engine is a machine that can convert other forms of energy into mechanical energy, including internal combustion engines, reciprocating piston engines, external combustion engines, Stirling engines, steam engines, jet engines, electric motors, etc.
As someone who works with car engines, I often get asked about the power drop in China VI engines. Simply put, to meet stricter emission standards, manufacturers have added new components to the engines, like particulate filters, which block the exhaust flow and increase backpressure—it's like running a marathon with a thick mask on, making the car struggle to breathe. At the same time, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system has been adjusted to increase its usage, lowering combustion temperatures and reducing nitrogen oxide emissions, but at the cost of explosive power. The engine control unit has also been reprogrammed to prioritize emission reduction over acceleration, resulting in a sluggish driving feel. While these changes reduce power, they significantly cut down on air pollution, especially in cities, which is a big win for public health. Short-term discomfort is a trade-off for long-term environmental benefits—we just have to adapt.
The new car I bought is China VI compliant, and it feels noticeably less powerful than the older China V model. Last time I went to the 4S shop, the mechanic explained to me that it's mainly due to the emission upgrades. They added a filter called GPF, which is like putting a net in the exhaust pipe, increasing resistance and affecting power output. The fuel injection has also been tuned more conservatively, no longer spraying fuel aggressively to boost acceleration as before, but optimizing emissions instead, resulting in slower throttle response. Plus, the EGR system has been strengthened, reducing combustion efficiency. Although the power has decreased, the emission of pollutants has been reduced, improving air quality. I think this sacrifice is worth it. It's recommended to clean these devices regularly to maintain better power.
