LS ELECTRIC announced on July 7th that it has launched an IE5-grade ultra-high efficiency motor, aligning with the growing demand for energy efficiency in Korea’s industrial sector. This marks the company's first successful commercialization of a motor at the world’s highest efficiency level, as defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
IE5 is the highest energy efficiency classification for motors established by the IEC, and until now, only a few global firms like ABB and Siemens have supplied products meeting this standard. LS ELECTRIC’s achievement signifies a significant leap in domestic technological capabilities within the high-efficiency motor industry.
Motors are vital components in factory automation equipment and manufacturing machinery, accounting for nearly half of the industrial power consumption. LS ELECTRIC’s IE5 motor offers approximately 3% higher energy efficiency compared to the commonly used IE3-grade models, making it a crucial upgrade for energy-intensive industries.
Industries such as steel, cement, and water treatment—long operational and energy-demanding—are expected to benefit greatly from reduced electricity consumption and operational cost savings through the adoption of these motors.
According to LS ELECTRIC, replacing existing motors with IE5 ultra-high efficiency models in Korea’s industrial facilities could save roughly 9 terawatt-hours of electricity annually—equivalent to the output of approximately 1.1 nuclear power plants. Economically, this translates into an estimated annual savings of about one trillion won in electricity costs.
In response to regulatory trends, the government announced plans to mandate the use of motors with IE4 or higher efficiency ratings starting in 2026. Meanwhile, the European Union has already implemented standards for IE4 motors since July 2023.
LS ELECTRIC also stated that it will offer the new IE5 motors as part of integrated package solutions linked with its inverters, enabling up to 37% energy savings in precise control industrial environments. The company plans to strengthen its position in the high-end motor market based on this technology.
Furthermore, LS ELECTRIC is expanding into smart energy platform ventures by integrating automation technologies with ultra-high efficiency motors, aiming to develop comprehensive energy optimization systems.
Market research indicates that the global industrial motor market is projected to reach approximately $18.4 billion (about 25 trillion won) by 2025, with an expected compound annual growth rate of 3.9% over the next decade.
A LS ELECTRIC representative stated, “By integrating world-class automation technology with ultra-high efficiency motors, we now have a complete product lineup for energy efficiency solutions. We will reinforce our smart energy management platform business to lead the energy management field both domestically and internationally.”
