Drive and control technologies company SEW-EURODRIVE says a holistic approach to system efficiency using its IE3-standard motors, combined with other equipment, can realise cost savings of up to 40%, as opposed to undertaking individual motor upgrades.

The June 2026 deadline looms for companies to install new electric and geared motors to conform to South Africa’s Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), introduced in June this year. The MEPS provide a standard for electric motor efficiency, mandating that certain three-phase and low-voltage motors sold in the country meet at least IE3 efficiency levels.

SEW-EURODRIVE has been supplying IE3 motors since 2017.

This compulsory specification applies to motors with a capacity of between 750 W and 375 kW, which should reduce energy consumption and, therefore, bolster grid stability if less efficient IE1 and IE2 motors are phased out.

According to SEW-EURODRIVE, replacing one component with a more efficient one can result in about 8% savings on electricity use every hour; however, following a holistic approach to the system, such as adding a more efficient gearbox and a variable-speed drive, these savings can increase to between 35% and 40%.

Higher efficiency motors, such as IE4 and IE5, which SEW-EURODRIVE business development electronics manager Willem Strydom says many industrial customers have adopted already, offer further savings and simplified installation.

While regulations in many countries do not yet specify the use of IE5 motors, many customers opt for them, owing to precision control and specific application requirements, especially in the automotive, and food and beverage industries.

The introduction of the MEPS has caused concern among some customers, owing to new urgent upgrades that are necessary, says SEW-EURODRIVE business development electronics proposal engineer Natasha Meintjies.

However, SEW-EURODRIVE offers assistance with a phased approach to help customers transition to IE3 motors during the grace period of the remaining months afforded by the MEPS regulations to sell older motors. Customers can implement the transition into their maintenance plans, which allows for the phased approach, she adds.

In this regard, existing stock of IE1 and IE2 motors can be sold until May 2026, while motors currently in use may remain operational, according to the MEPS.

Positive Steps

Strydom and Meintjies agree that the MEPS are a positive development for industries as they will boost efficiency and be less carbon intensive; however, they warn that ill-informed companies could face risks such as acquiring old stock that has been dumped in the market.

Meintjies points out that the introduction of the MEPS has catalysed conversations about sustainability and operational costs, which is a positive development for the industrial landscape.

“Operating more efficiently will save money for customers in the long run,” affirms Strydom.

Meanwhile, SEW-EURODRIVE also offers free on-site energy efficiency testing and analysis for customers to determine the optimal equipment and motors required for particular applications.

This helps customers to make informed investment decisions by providing tangible information about their facilities. Here, the company uses a power analyser to measure critical values during tests.

SEW-EURODRIVE’s flexible product portfolio, ultimately, allows for custom solutions to specific customer applications.