The common classification of energy efficiency levels for electric motors is as follows:

The common classification of energy efficiency levels for electric motors is as follows:

1、 China Energy Efficiency Standards (GB Series)

1. Three phase asynchronous motor

Standard basis: GB 18613-2020 "Minimum Allowable Values and Energy Efficiency Grades for Electric Motors"

Energy Efficiency Level:

Level 1 (IE5): Ultra efficient, suitable for long-term high load operation scenarios (such as industrial pumps and fans), with an efficiency improvement of about 4% -6% compared to IE3.

Level 2 (IE4): Efficient, suitable for medium load demands (such as air conditioning compressors), with an efficiency 2% -3% higher than IE3.

Level 3 (IE3): Standard energy efficiency, has become a low mandatory standard in China since June 2021, phasing out products with IE2 and below.

Coverage range: power 0.75-375kW, voltage below 1000V, numbers 2/4/6/8.

 

2. Permanent magnet synchronous motor

Standard basis: GB 30253-2024 (implemented in October 2025)

Energy Efficiency Level:

Level 1: Suitable for high voltage (3kV/6kV/10kV) and variable frequency drive scenarios, with an efficiency 3% -5% higher than IE4.

Level 2: Medium and low voltage (1140V and below) universal type, with efficiency close to IE4.

Technical features: Using rare earth permanent magnet materials, the power factor is close to 1, and the energy-saving effect is significant.

 

3. High voltage motor

Standard basis: GB 30254-2013 (under revision)

Update direction: The plan is to raise the energy efficiency threshold for 6kV/10kV motors to IE3 and cover more power ranges.

 

2、 EU Energy Efficiency Standards (IE Level)

1. IE1-IE4 grading

Standard basis: IEC 60034-30-1:2014

Energy Efficiency Level:

IE1 (Standard Efficiency): Eliminated (sales prohibited since 2017).

IE2 (Efficient): It needs to be used in conjunction with a frequency converter.

IE3 (Ultra Efficient): Mandatory low standards (since 2017).

IE4 (Permanent Magnet Ultra High Efficiency): Suitable for variable frequency drives, with an efficiency 2% -4% higher than IE3.

Coverage range: power 0.75-375kW, voltage 400V/50Hz.

 

2. Introduction of IE5

Standard basis: IEC TS 60034-30-2:2016

Applicable scenarios: Synchronous Reluctance Motors (SynRM) and Permanent Magnet Motors, with an efficiency 1% -2% higher than IE4.

Typical product: ABB's IE5 SynRM motor, with an efficiency of over 95%.

 

3、 National Energy Efficiency Standards (NEMA/DOE)

1.NEMA MG1-2014

Energy Efficiency Level:

EPAct（IE2）： Mandatory since 1997, covering motors ranging from 1-200 hp.

NEMA Premium（IE3）： Mandatory since 2010, with efficiency 1% -3% higher than EPAct.

Ultra efficient (IE4): Some companies, such as Regal Beloit, offer efficiency close to IE4.

Testing method: IEEE 112-B method is used, with a testing difference of approximately 1% -2% compared to IEC.

 

2. DOE regulations

Update: In 2023, it is planned to upgrade low energy efficiency to IE3 and expand coverage to 500hp.

1、 The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) energy efficiency levels are divided into five levels: IE1, IE2, IE3, IE4, and IE5. IE1 is the standard energy efficiency; IE2 stands for high energy efficiency; IE3 is of high quality and efficiency; IE4 is highly efficient; IE5 is a high efficiency level, representing the current high level of motor energy efficiency.

 

2、 China's energy efficiency levels: According to GB18613-2020, they are divided into Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Level 1 energy efficiency corresponds to IE5 efficiency, which is a high energy efficiency level with an efficiency value usually above 90%; Level 2 energy efficiency corresponds to IE4 efficiency, with a high level of energy efficiency and good energy-saving effect; The third level energy efficiency corresponds to IE3 efficiency, which is a low standard for the energy efficiency limit of three-phase asynchronous motors.

 

3、 EU energy efficiency levels: mainly including IE2, IE3, IE4, etc. IE2 is currently the mainstream product energy efficiency rating in the market; Starting from January 1, 2017, the European Union has stipulated that the energy efficiency of electric motors ranging from 0.75 to 375 kW must not be lower than IE3, or at least reach IE2.

 

4、 The Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) in the United States is divided into ten levels, ranging from 1 to 10, with smaller numbers indicating higher efficiency and lower energy consumption.