ABB introduces “world’s first” magnet-free IE6 motor for hazardous areas
ABB has claimed to be the world’s first manufacturer to offer an IE6 Hyper Efficiency motor certified for hazardous areas under ATEX and IECEx standards. The company said the new Increased Safety motor, based on its magnet- and rare earth-free synchronous reluctance (SynRM) technology, is designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in industries where explosive gases, vapors or dust may be present, including chemicals, marine, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage processing.
According to ABB, the IE6 SynRM motor delivers up to 60 percent lower energy losses compared with conventional IE3 induction motors commonly deployed in Zones 1 and 2 hazardous environments.
Certified for use with variable speed drives (VSDs), the IE6 SynRM motor offers accurate control and high efficiency throughout the whole speed range, even at partial loads. This makes it the ideal upgrade for standard IE3 induction motors in pumps, fans and compressors. “Over a typical 20-year service life, the energy savings from switching just one motor up to IE6 would be €87,5201, resulting in an eight-month payback period with 157,540 kg CO2 avoided – equivalent to 37 gasoline powered passenger cars driven for a year,” ABB claims.
“In its Energy Efficiency report 2025, the IEA highlights the pressing need to make sustainable technology available as an affordable choice. And that is central to ABB’s own Engineered to Outrun philosophy,” said Stefan Floeck, President IEC LV Motors, ABB. “With the world’s first IE6 Hyper Efficiency SynRM motor for hazardous areas, we now have the ideal solution for customers who must drive down their operating expenses while meeting stringent sustainability targets.”
The new IE6 SynRM Increased safety motor covers ratings from 110 kW, with IE5 versions available for up to 90 kW. As well as increased reliability and reduced maintenance, SynRM technology enables a more cost-effective installation. In Zone 1, cooler running can allow the use of an Increased safety SynRM motor where a Flameproof motor with a special enclosure would be the traditional choice. Furthermore, in Zone 2, the improved loadability of SynRM motors enables more power from the same size as an equivalent induction motor. This could enable a smaller, lower-cost motor to fulfil the same duty.
ABB’s IE6 and IE5 SynRM technology is part of the industry’s broadest portfolio of IEC LV motors for hazardous areas, with induction alternatives up to IE4 efficiency level. Whatever the technology, these motors combine robust construction, high energy efficiency, and reliable operation to deliver trusted performance and certified safety in the most demanding environments.
