China 6 Explained
China has been the largest vehicle market in the world since 2009 and the vehicle population, both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicle, continues to grow rapidly. At the end of 2019 China's vehicle population was over 250 million vehicles.
As a result, many of China’s cities have faced serious air quality issues. In order to minimize pollution generated by automobiles and improve air quality, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) of the People’s Republic of China has implemented a series of legislation upgrades. The latest upgrade, known collectively known as China 6, aims to remove pollutants including particulate matter (PM) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) from the air.
This latest legislation is composed of China VI, the emissions standard for heavy-duty vehicles, and China 6, the emissions standard for passenger cars and light-duty commercial vehicles.
The upgrades will be implemented in two phases—China 6a and China VIa went into effect on January 1, 2021 and July 1, 2021, respectively, and China 6b and China VIb go into effect in July 2023. During each phase, PM, NOx and other pollutant limits will become more stringent. Additionally requirements for emission system durability and onboard monitoring will be strengthened to ensure emissions reductions are maintained for the life of the vehicle.
To meet these limits, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are introducing new powertrain and aftertreatment systems which require new engine oil technology to operate efficiently and reliably as intended.
In addition to the implementation of China 6, Fuel Consumption Legislation Stage III came into effect in 2020, requiring a 15% reduction in fuel consumption versus Stage II. Further fuel consumption reductions will be phased in during the coming years.
Meeting Emissions Targets Isn't Getting Easier
January 01, 2022
The trucking industry is entering Phase 2 of the U.S. EPA's new greenhouse gas emissions and fuel efficiency standards, pushing OEM's to meet increasingly stringent targets.
The Right Engine Oil for GPF-equipped Vehicles
September 14, 2020
Gasoline particulate filters (GPF) have become increasingly common since 2014. We discuss the three major drivers of their adoption worldwide as well as our research into the long-term ash buildup in GPF-equipped vehicles.
Enabling GPFs
September 01, 2020
The drive for lower emissions means that gasoline particulate filters will see increased use globally, and that has significant implications for engine lubricants.
Analysis of Field-Tested Gasoline Particulate Filters
August 06, 2020
Following a comprehensive field trial in Shanghai, we conducted detailed analysis on the GPFs upon trial completion, furthering our understanding of GPF ash collection with respect to engine oil ash content and engine oil ash composition.
Preparing for China 6—the World’s Strictest Emissions Standard
August 03, 2020
The global automotive market is about to face one of the toughest challenges in its history: the arrival and implementation of China 6, a new national standard aimed at dramatically cutting emissions from the country’s passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
Testing GPF-compatible Engine Lubricants
July 15, 2020
In order to assess the effects of engine oils on gasoline particulate filters (GPFs) in modern turbocharged gasoline direct injection (TGDI) powered cars, we partnered with Corning Environmental Technologies, a leading GPF producer, to conduct a major field trial in Shanghai.