Electric motors: three questions on the new efficiency rules

Daniel Lehmann looks at the new efficiency rules for electric motors will take effect this summer

The aim of the EU’s new electric motor legislation, which are due to take effect from July 2023, is to reduce electricity consumption and therefore strengthen climate protection. Motors in various power ranges are affected by the eco-design regulations.

What exactly do the efficiency regulations imposed by the EU say? 

At the core of the regulation is the efficiency of the motors, categorised according to IE classes. A tightening of the rules in this regard already came into force in July 2021. According to this, motors with a power of 0.12 to 0.75kW had to fulfill the IE2 obligation and motors in the power range of 0.75 to 1,000 kW had to fulfill the IE3 obligation.

On 1 July 2023, a further step in the regulation will take effect: three-phase asynchronous motors from 75 to 200 kW must comply with IE4 class, with brake motors and drives for the Ex area being exempt. In addition, the scope of the efficiency rules will be extended to single-phase motors and ATEX motors, which will then have to meet the minimum efficiency required by law. 

What is the background to the new requirements for electric motors? 

According to the European Commission, there are currently around eight billion electric motors of all sizes in use in the EU area alone. These motors consume a significant proportion of the total electricity generated in the EU. Against the background of limited resources and advancing climate change, there have been increasing demands on the efficiency of three-phase motors over the course of time. The resulting low power consumption not only helps protect the environment, it also enables users of the motors to make noticeable financial savings. The level of savings depends on the power, efficiency and running time of the efficiently-designed motor.  

To what extent are users of KEB motors affected by the new regulations and what should they do? 

Basically, the eco-design regulations are binding for all manufacturers and suppliers who place electric motors on the market in the EU. However, there is good news for KEB motor customers. The majority of the motors in KEB’s portfolio already meet the requirements that will apply from July 2023 or are not affected by the regulations. For example, our synchronous servo motors are designed to be efficient per se and are therefore not subject to any new regulations. For single-phase and ATEX motors, we offer solutions that meet the stricter EU eco-design directives.  

Daniel Lehmann is Product Manager at KEB Automation.