IE1 Standard efficiency (old EFF2 class)
IE2 High efficiency (old EFF1class)
IE3 Premium efficiency

With the introduction of the new efficiency classes the standard for determination of efficiencies has changed as well. According to IEC/EN 60034-2-1 the additional losses are not generally taken as 0.5% of the total input power, but determined in accordance with IEEE 112. Thus the nominal efficiencies decrease even if no changes were done to the motors. The new limits were adjusted to this new procedure. Starting from November 2010 IEC 60034-2-1 replaces the former IEC/EN 60034-2. That means starting from that date the new procedure must always be applied..

Minimum efficiency classes for three-phase asynchronous motors complying with regulation (EC) no. 640/2009 dated 22nd July 2009
This standard is also the foundation for implementing the directive 2005/32/EC "Ecodesign requirements for energy-using products" (EuP directive) for the industrial branch of drive technology. The course is set for a market change to energy saving motors with the regulation (EC) no. 640/2009 dated 22nd July 2009 for implementing the EuP directive. The change is done in three steps:

Step 1: Minimum efficiency (MEPS) IE2 starting from 16th June 2011
Step 2: Increase of efficiency to IE3 [Premium motors] is done on 01.01.2015 for the power range 7,5 kW up to 375 kW. As option: IE2 + inverter
Step 3: Starting from 01.01.2017 the power range is increased from 0,75 kW up to 375 kW. As option: IE2 + inverter

The VEM group is adjusting the product range gradually to the new regulations. As first step the motors in design EFF2 and EFF1 are available from now on labelled as IE1 and IE2. The availability includes also the 6-pole version next to the 2- and 4-pole motors and the complete power range from IEC 60034-30. Thus we have created the foundation for energy efficient solutions based on efficiency optimised motors and drive systems. Main focus is the design series for IE2 motors. This series will be developed further to represent the new main design of the VEM modular system. In addition IE2 motors for use in explosion protected areas and with diverse mechanical modifications like mounted brakes or fans are available, too (
(see "Energy efficient drive solutions of VEM.pdf")

Energy saving compact drives based on efficiency class IE2 For energy saving compact drives we use an IE2 base motor and attach a frequency inverter on top. Not only for rated frequency at 50 Hz and full load operation an increased efficiency is achieved, but also for part load operation and for lower frequencies. The use of such drives means higher investment costs, however these are charged off after a short time due to lower operational costs. Not only traditional applications like climate control for pump and fan drives, but also new branches like materials handling and vacuum technology will profit from this drive solution. Our drives are available for a power range up to 22 kW.

Permanent magnet synchronous motors
In the power range between 0.18 and 45 kW for 4-pole design and up to 30 kW for 6-pole design the series P21R completes VEM's modern product line for energy efficient drive solutions. We offer permanent magnet synchronous motors (PSM) that are produced by modification of the rotor of off-the-shelf asynchronous motors (ASM). PSMs have a higher output as ASMs for comparable sizes. The magnet wheel, which is following exactly the phase rotation, allows for example to use PSMs for conveyor belts with several synchronously operating drives. This type series is only operated in connection with frequency inverters and offers significantly higher efficiencies compared to asynchronous motors. All types of construction and all modifications of the standard motor series are available. With this solution VEM complies with the demand for higher energy efficiency by use of variable speed drives. Thus dc motors with high maintenance can be exchange with simple designed three-phase motors.