ABB expands IE6 SynRM motor range to advance industrial energy efficiency!

ABB is strengthening its focus on industrial energy efficiency with the expansion of its IE6 Hyper Efficiency synchronous reluctance (SynRM) motor portfolio. The magnet-free technology is now available in power ratings from 110 to 450 kW, frame sizes 280 and 315, and speeds of up to 3,600 rpm, extending ultra-high efficiency performance to a wider range of industrial applications.

This expansion builds on ABB’s 2024 milestone, when it became the first manufacturer globally to introduce a magnet-free IE6 SynRM motor for specialist uses. The technology has now moved into the mainstream portfolio, positioning ABB ahead of the expected IE6 Hyper Efficiency benchmark.

Commenting on the development, Stefan Floeck, President IEC LV Motors at ABB, said that the International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook 2025 highlights energy efficiency as one of the most effective and economical drivers of industrial productivity and decarbonisation. He noted that ABB’s IE6 SynRM motors are designed to meet this need, offering customers access to leading efficiency levels across a broader power range. In many cases, users can achieve payback within months while making measurable progress toward sustainability goals.

Upgrading to IE5 ultra-premium efficiency SynRM motors already delivers significant energy and cost savings compared with IE4 induction motor solutions. Moving further to ABB’s IE6 SynRM option increases these benefits substantially. Over a typical 20-year operating life, customers can achieve savings of up to €51,200 and reduce emissions by 92,200 kg of CO₂, equivalent to the annual emissions of 21.5 petrol-powered passenger vehicles. This represents an additional 76 percent improvement compared with the step from IE5 to IE6, with a return on investment of approximately eight months.

Sustainability is central to the design of the IE6 SynRM motors. They contain no permanent magnets or rare earth materials, are 98 percent recyclable, and are included in the ABB EcoSolutions™ portfolio with independently verified Environmental Product Declarations in accordance with ISO 14025 Type III standards. This provides customers with clear, transparent information on product lifecycle impact and circularity.

The motors share the same footprint as standard induction motors, allowing straightforward replacement in applications such as fans, pumps and compressors. When combined with an ABB variable speed drive (VSD), the solution delivers high efficiency, lower operating costs and supports industrial decarbonisation efforts.

ABB is a global leader in electrification and automation, supporting a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. With more than 140 years of engineering heritage and approximately 110,000 employees worldwide, ABB combines engineering and digital expertise to help industries operate at higher performance levels while improving efficiency and sustainability. The company’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB).