From 1 July 2023, electric induction motors with a rated output between 75 kW and 200 kW must meet the requirements of efficiency class IE4 (or better) in the European Union.

The Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 of 1 October 2019 is in application since 1 July 2021. It sets more stringent minimum efficiency requirements for a wider scope of electric induction motors (0.12 kW – 1000 kW) including 8-pole motors. Also, maximum energy losses for Variable Speed Drives between 0.12 kW and 1000 kW at IE2 are specified.

Regarding motors, Tier 2 starts from 1 July 2023:

• The energy efficiency of Ex eb increased safety motors with a rated output equal to or above 0.12 kW and equal to or below 1 000 kW, with 2-, 4-, 6- or 8-poles, and single-phase motors with a rated output equal to or above 0.12 kW shall correspond to at least the IE2 efficiency level;
• The energy efficiency of three-phase motors which are not brake motors, Ex eb increased safety motors, or other explosion-protected motors, with a rated output equal to or above 75 kW and equal to or below 200 kW, with 2-, 4-, or 6- poles, shall correspond to at least the IE4 efficiency level.

The Regulation also sets information requirements for electric motors and variable speed drives in scope. This includes the provision of energy efficiency values at different load points, enabling easier optimisation of energy use in motor systems.

The Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 was published as the result of the revision of the Commission Regulation (EC) 640/2009 for electric motors, which consequently was repealed as of 1 July 2021. The former requirement of an IE2 motor plus a converter instead of IE3 is no longer in force. Regulation (EU) 2021/341 of 23 February 2021 amended some provisions of Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 for electric motors and VSDs and included some clarifications.

For more information, see Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 and Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/341.