High-Efficiency Motors: How To Identify If A Motor Is High-efficiency Motor?
Mar 26, 2026
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To better guide the use of high-efficiency motors, China adopts an energy efficiency labeling system for basic series motors. Such motors must be filed on the China Energy Label Network and affixed with the corresponding energy efficiency label on the motor body.
Taking the commonly used YE2, YE3, YE4, and YE5 series as examples, the same energy efficiency may not necessarily mean an energy-saving motor in different periods. To determine whether a motor is an energy-saving motor, it must correspond to the currently valid GB18613 standard. Motor energy efficiency is divided into three grades. Grade 1 is the highest level, and Grade 3 is the minimum efficiency requirement for such motors, which is the mandatory limit. That is to say, the efficiency level of such motors must not be lower than the required limit value to be allowed to enter the market for sale.
Are all motors with energy efficiency labels high-efficiency motors?
The answer is no. Motors within the scope of energy efficiency label management must be filed on the China Energy Label Network and affixed with their exclusive energy efficiency label (with a QR code) to enter the market. According to regulations, a motor affixed with a Grade 3 energy efficiency label is not a energy-saving product. Only motors affixed with Grade 2 or Grade 1 energy efficiency labels are considered energy-saving products.
What defines an energy-saving motor under different versions of the standard?
Currently, the valid version of the GB18613 standard is the 2020 edition. Under this standard, the YE3 series is only a permissible product, and its efficiency level corresponds to IE3 of the international standard. The product has a Grade 3 energy efficiency label. The YE4 and YE5 series correspond to IE4 and IE5 levels respectively, with their energy efficiency labels corresponding to Grade 2 and Grade 1 levels, making them energy-saving products.
Under the replaced 2012 version of GB18613, the YE2 series met the minimum efficiency limit, and both YE3 and YE4 were classified as energy-saving motors. With the replacement of this old version, their corresponding energy efficiency ratings have been redefined.
Therefore, motor consumers should possess relevant knowledge to better control the relevant requirements during the procurement process. For many motor manufacturers, to demonstrate the energy efficiency advantage of their products, they obtain third-party energy-saving certifications. Consumers should verify the validity of these energy-saving certifications provided and be well-informed consumers.