Usage of PGMs by Chinese Automakers Changed with Emission Standards

SHANGHAI, Feb 28 (SMM) – Under the implementation of China V and previous emission standards, Chinese diesel vehicles use Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) but do not use PGM catalysts.

The PGMs used per vehicle has not changed significantly from China II to V emission standards, but has changed noticeably from China V to VI emission standards due to China’s higher requirements for environmental protection.

When the new emission standards were first implemented, most companies met environmental protection requirements by increasing PGMs used per vehicle. However, with the advancement of technology, the per vehicle usage will gradually decrease.

In 2019 when the China VI emission standards was initiated, automakers had significantly increased the total content of PGMs in gasoline vehicle catalysts.

However, the high price prompted automakers to reduce use of PGMs. At the same time, the improvement of engine technology has enabled catalysts with lower platinum group metal content to meet strict emission limits.