ABB is accelerating industrial energy efficiency with its expanded range of IE6 Hyper-Efficiency synchronous reluctance (SynRM) motors. This magnet-free technology is available from 110 to 450kW in frame sizes 280 and 315, and speeds up to 3600rpm
This move expands on the 2024 milestone when ABB was the world’s first manufacturer to launch a magnet-free IE6 SynRM motor for specialist applications. ABB has now established this breakthrough as its mainstream option, surpassing the anticipated IE6 Hyper-Efficiency standard.
Stefan Floeck, president, IEC LV Motors, ABB, said, “The IEA’s World Energy Outlook 20252 reinforces energy efficiency as one of the fastest and most cost‑effective levers for industrial productivity and decarbonization. In line with our Engineered to Outrun philosophy, the IE6 Hyper‑Efficiency SynRM motors are designed exactly for this moment. Customers can now access world‑leading efficiency across a wider power range, often achieving payback in just months while moving closer to their sustainability targets.”
Making the switch to IE5 Ultra-Premium efficiency SynRM motors can provide major savings compared to an equivalent IE4 induction motor package.
However, there is also a benefit to stepping up to ABB’s now-standard IE6 SynRM option. Over a 20-year service life, the savings are increased to €51,200 and 92,000kg of CO2, equivalent to 21.5 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driving for one year. That represents a further 76% improvement over upgrading from IE5 to IE6, with an ROI of eight months.
The IE6 SynRM contains no permanent magnets or rare-earth metals, is 98% recyclable, and is part of the ABB EcoSolutions portfolio, with fully verified Environmental Product Declarations. This allows customers and partners to make more informed, sustainable choices by increasing transparency into each product’s circularity and environmental impact.
The IE6 SynRM motors match the size of standard induction motors, making them a simple drop-in replacement for fans, pumps, compressors, and other applications. When paired with an ABB variable-speed drive, they can reinforce ABB’s commitment to breakthrough energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and help industries accelerate their decarbonisation journey.
