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Charlotte Stonestreet
Managing Editor |
Motors deliver energy efficiency boost
03 February 2026
ABB IS accelerating industrial energy efficiency with its expanded range of IE6 Hyper‑Efficiency synchronous reluctance (SynRM) motors. This magnet‑free technology – now available from 110 to 450 kW in frame sizes 280 and 315, and speeds up to 3600 rpm – brings next-level efficiency and sustainability to even more industrial applications.

This move builds 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 made this breakthrough its mainstream option, moving ahead of the anticipated IE6 Hyper‑Efficiency standard.
“The IEA’s World Energy Outlook 20252 reinforces energy efficiency as one of the fastest, and most cost‑effective levers for industrial productivity and decarbonisation. In line with our Engineered to Outrun philosophy, the IE6 Hyper‑Efficiency SynRM motors are designed exactly for this moment,” said Stefan Floeck, president IEC LV Motors, ABB. “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.”
Switching to IE5 Ultra-Premium efficiency SynRM motors is proven to deliver major savings compared to an equivalent IE4 induction motor package. However, there is an even greater benefit when stepping up to ABB’s now-standard IE6 SynRM option. Over a typical 20-year service life, the savings are increased to €51,200 and 92,200kg CO2 – equivalent to 21.5 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driving for one year. That represents an additional 76% improvement than when upgrading from IE5 to IE6, with an ROI of eight months.
Designed with sustainability at the core, the IE6 SynRM contains no permanent magnets or rare earth metals, is 98% recyclable, and forms part of the ABB EcoSolutions portfolio with fully verified Environmental Product Declarations (ISO 14025 Type III). This enables customers and partners to make more informed, sustainable choices through increased transparency about 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. As a perfect pairing with an ABB variable speed drive (VSD), they reinforce ABB’s commitment to breakthrough energy efficiency, reduced operating costs, and helping industries accelerate their decarbonisation journey.
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