ABB’s Full Range SynRM Motors
PETALING JAYA: Global company ABB has unveiled a new range of smaller ultra-premium efficiency motors that could play a pivotal role in Malaysia’s energy transition, enabling industries to significantly cut energy consumption, reduce carbon emissions and achieve faster operational paybacks without relying on rare earth materials.
The technology giant announced the expansion of its IE5 synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM) portfolio to include three smaller frame sizes – 90, 100 and 112 – extending its coverage from 1.1kW up to 450kW.
Narayanan: ‘These smaller motors are a game changer for Malaysia.’With this, ABB now offers the broadest range of magnet- and rare earth-free motors to the Malaysian market.
“These smaller motors are a game changer for Malaysia.
“We’re enabling industries of all sizes to take meaningful steps toward energy efficiency and carbon reduction without compromising on performance,” said R. Narayanan, senior vice-president and head of ABB Motion, Asia.
Smaller motors are widely used across Malaysia’s key industrial sectors, including water and wastewater treatment, HVAC systems, food and beverage processing, rubber and plastics, pulp and paper, mining and metals, as well as chemical and petrochemical industries.
Since these motors often operate continuously and in large quantities, even small improvements in energy efficiency can have a major cumulative impact on costs and environmental performance.
ABB’s IE5 SynRM motors can cut energy losses by up to 40% compared to standard IE3 motors, offering significant savings on electricity costs.
When multiplied across dozens or hundreds of motors at an industrial site, these savings can deliver a payback period as short as five months – a compelling case for both sustainability and profitability.
Narayanan said the company’s expansion supports the scaling of high-efficiency motor adoption in line with Malaysia’s Energy Transition Roadmap (ETR) and the nation’s broader low-carbon transition pathways.
“ABB’s ultra-premium efficiency IE5 SynRM motors not only exceed Malaysia’s Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), but also future-proof investments,” he said.
“Their easy-to-retrofit, drop-in replacement design makes upgrades faster and more cost effective, helping industries maintain MEPS compliance,” he added.
The new range also comes with extended power and speed options of up to 3,600 RPM, making them ideal for energy-intensive applications such as pumps, fans and compressors.
When paired with ABB’s variable speed drives, the SynRM motors deliver optimal performance and maximum energy efficiency.
Part of ABB’s EcoSolutions portfolio, the SynRM motors are backed by externally verified Environmental Product Declarations (ISO 14025 Type III), which provide transparency on product circularity and lifecycle impact.
This aligns closely with Malaysia’s push for green procurement, ESG accountability and industrial sustainability.
ABB’s latest move also reinforces its commitment to engineering innovation and “hyper-efficiency”.
Some SynRM models above 90kW have already achieved IE6 performance, offering up to 20% lower losses than IE5 motors – setting a new benchmark in global energy efficiency standards.
Beyond product innovation, ABB is investing in Malaysia’s future talent pipeline.
Earlier this year, the company donated an IE5 SynRM motor, drive and smart sensor to Universiti Malaya, giving students practical exposure to cutting-edge, energy-efficient technologies.
The initiative underscores ABB’s belief that education and innovation must go hand in hand to build a sustainable industrial ecosystem.
“Energy efficiency is the first lever of Malaysia’s Energy Transition Roadmap.
“By adopting ultra-efficient motor technologies, Malaysian industries can reduce energy intensity, lower operating costs and accelerate the nation’s journey toward net-zero emissions by 2050,” Narayanan said.
