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Ecodesign Requirements for Electric Motors

Applicable EU Legislation

The legal basis is Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 laying down ecodesign requirements for electric motors and variable speed drives (VSDs). The Regulation has applied in stages since 1 July 2021, with further requirements applying since 1 July 2023.

The Regulation applies to single-phase and three-phase induction motors and variable speed drives within its scope. It covers, in particular, motors designed for operation on a 50 Hz, 60 Hz or 50/60 Hz sinusoidal AC supply, with a rated voltage above 50 V and up to 1,000 V AC and a rated output power from 0.12 kW to 1,000 kW. Further scope conditions and exemptions apply.

Efficiency Classes (status: June 2026)

Motor type / device Rated output power Requirement
Three-phase induction motor (2, 4, 6 or 8 poles; S1, S3 ≥80%, S6 ≥80%; excluding Ex eb motors) 0.12 kW – <0.75 kW minimum IE2
Three-phase induction motor (2, 4, 6 or 8 poles; excluding Ex eb motors) 0.75 kW – 1,000 kW minimum IE3
Three-phase induction motor (2, 4 or 6 poles; not a brake motor and not explosion-protected) 75 kW – 200 kW minimum IE4 since 1 July 2023 (8-pole motors, brake motors and explosion-protected motors are excluded from this IE4 requirement)
Single-phase induction motor from 0.12 kW minimum IE2 since 1 July 2023
Explosion-protected motors with increased safety (Ex eb) 0.12 kW – 1,000 kW minimum IE2 since 1 July 2023
Other explosion-protected motors, where within scope 0.12 kW – <0.75 kW / 0.75 kW – 1,000 kW minimum IE2 / minimum IE3 (not subject to IE4 requirements; exemptions may apply depending on the explosion-protection type and application)
Brake motors (where motor efficiency can be determined independently of the brake) 0.12 kW – 1,000 kW as for standard motors: IE2 / IE3 (not subject to IE4 requirements; motors with an integrated inseparable brake are exempt)
Variable speed drive / frequency inverter (VSD) (three-phase input, 100 V – 1,000 V AC, one AC output) for motors from 0.12 kW – 1,000 kW minimum IE2

Key Exemptions

  • Motors with a rated voltage of ≤50 V or >1,000 V
  • Motors not designed for direct-on-line operation
  • Motors fully integrated into another product where the efficiency cannot be determined independently
  • Motors with integrated speed control where efficiency cannot be determined independently
  • Motors with an integrated inseparable brake
  • Motors designed exclusively for operation at altitudes above 4,000 m, ambient temperatures above +60 °C or below −30 °C, maximum operating temperatures above 400 °C, cooling-fluid temperatures below 0 °C or above +32 °C, or complete immersion in liquid
  • Motors for the safety of nuclear installations
  • Explosion-protected motors for underground mining
  • Cordless or battery-powered motors
  • Hand-held, hand-guided or mobile equipment
  • Motors with a mechanical commutator, brushes, slip rings or electrical connections to the rotor
  • Totally enclosed non-ventilated motors (TENV, IC410)
  • Multi-speed motors, including pole-changing motors
  • Motors with ten or more poles
  • Motors not designed for S1, S3 ≥80% or S6 ≥80% duty (for example S2, S3 <80%, S6 <80% or S9)
  • Motors for electric vehicles
  • Identical replacement motors covered by the specific replacement-motor provision

Replacement-Motor Provision

Until 1 July 2029, motors may be placed on the market as replacements for identical motors integrated into products placed on the market before the relevant date: generally before 1 July 2021 or, for Ex eb motors, before 1 July 2023. This exemption does not generally apply to every older motor and must be assessed for the individual replacement case.

Exemptions for Variable Speed Drives / Frequency Inverters (VSDs)

  • Integrated into products and not independently testable
  • For nuclear installations
  • Regenerative drives
  • Drives with a sinusoidal input current and less than 10% total harmonic distortion

Outlook

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), Regulation (EU) 2024/1781, has applied since 18 July 2024. It establishes a framework for future product-specific requirements. It does not automatically introduce new motor-specific obligations from 1 January 2027. Requirements concerning repairability or digital product passports will only apply once they are defined by the relevant product-specific legal acts.

Note: This overview is provided for general information only. The applicable legislation, its scope, and the technical data and certifications of the individual product remain decisive.