IE5 Motor Efficiency — What It Means and How to Achieve It
The highest international efficiency class for electric motors — and how to reach it without rare earths.
Efficiency Classes Explained
| Class | Name | Typical Efficiency (75kW, 4-pole) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE1 | Standard | ≥ 88.0% | Minimum in some markets |
| IE2 | High | ≥ 91.0% | EU minimum until 2021 |
| IE3 | Premium | ≥ 93.0% | Current EU minimum (most motors) |
| IE4 | Super Premium | ≥ 95.0% | Required for some applications |
| IE5 | Ultra Premium | ≥ 96.0% | Highest defined class |
Efficiency: ≥ 88.0%
Status: Minimum in some markets
Efficiency: ≥ 91.0%
Status: EU minimum until 2021
Efficiency: ≥ 93.0%
Status: Current EU minimum (most motors)
Efficiency: ≥ 95.0%
Status: Required for some applications
Efficiency: ≥ 96.0%
Status: Highest defined class
EU Regulations Driving IE5 Adoption
The EU Ecodesign Regulation (EU 2019/1781) sets minimum energy efficiency requirements for electric motors sold in Europe. Since July 2023, motors between 75kW and 200kW must meet at least IE4. The trajectory is clear: efficiency requirements are tightening.
While IE5 is not yet mandatory, it represents the highest defined efficiency class under IEC 60034-30-2. Manufacturers who can offer IE5-rated motors today position themselves ahead of future regulation changes and gain a competitive advantage in efficiency-conscious markets.
For motor manufacturers, the challenge is reaching IE5 cost-effectively. Most IE5 motors on the market rely on neodymium permanent magnets — which are expensive and supply-chain-dependent.
Achieving IE5+ Without Rare Earths
EKMO has developed IE5+ motor designs using only ferrite magnets. No neodymium, no rare earths. The key is advanced electromagnetic design of the SMPM (Surface Mounted Permanent Magnet) topology — optimizing the magnetic circuit to compensate for ferrite's lower energy density.
The result is a motor that meets IE5+ efficiency across the 37kW to 1MW range, in IEC standard housing with IC411 self-ventilation cooling. Performance is validated through electromagnetic simulation.
This means motor manufacturers can offer IE5+ products without rare earth supply chain exposure — reducing material cost and eliminating geopolitical risk from their product line.
Specifications
37kW – 1MW
IE5+
Ferrite only
IEC standard
IC411 self-ventilation
100–4500 RPM
225, 250, 280, 315, 355mm
See how ferrite compares to neodymium in detail: Ferrite vs Neodymium — Technical Comparison
Understand the supply chain advantage: Rare Earth Supply Chain Risk for Motor Manufacturers
License IE5+ ferrite motor technology from EKMO.