Plug-and-play IE5 motor-drive replaces DOL motors directly
25 June 2025 
ABB has announced a variable-speed motor that combines an high-efficiency permanent magnet (PM) motor with a VSD (variable-speed drive) in a compact, customisable, plug-and-play package that allows users to cut their energy consumption and reduce their carbon emissions. The IE5-efficiency LV Titanium Variable Speed Motor can be used as a drop-in replacement for existing, inefficient DOL (direct-online) induction motors, offering an easy upgrade to a VSD-driven motor with a rapid payback.
Thanks to its compact design and high power density, the variable-speed motor is at least two frame sizes smaller than comparable induction motors, making it ideal for installations where space is at a premium – such as replacing older motors.
The package is not simply a drive bolted onto a motor. ABB has engineered it as an integrated assembly, with a drive module purpose-designed for optimal performance, combined with a high-efficiency motor. The axial drive is mounted on the end of the motor, saving space and making the motor ideal for applications such as vertical pumps.
The customisable motor can be tailored to suit pump, compressor and other industrial applications with power ratings from 1.5–30kW, and nominal speeds from 1,500–4,500 rpm. It can operate over a wide range of speed and torque requirements, and deliver high torque at low speeds. It is said to operate quietly.
The plug-and-play capability means that the motor needs no on-site commissioning – the motor and drive are commissioned and optimised to work together before leaving the factory. This, combined with the reduced need for cabling, makes installation quick and easy, with low set-up costs and a reduced need for materials. There is no need for cabinets, electrical rooms, or specially trained installation personnel. The motors can be fitted by one person.
ABB says that comparing the variable-speed motor with a conventional fixed-speed motor in a 7.5kW centrifugal pumping application, the annual electricity savings will be more than €4,000, based on a typical energy cost in Europe of €0.21/kWh. At the same time, there will be an annual reduction of six tonnes in CO2 emissions, based on the average European carbon intensity factor of 0.3kg CO2/kWh.
“We developed the LV Titanium in collaboration with customers who asked us to help them achieve energy savings and reduced carbon emissions without installation complexity,” says Stefan Floeck, president of ABB’s IEC Low Voltage Motors division. “This variable-speed motor delivers just that – advanced performance in a compact, user-friendly and speed-controlled motor package that draws on our decades of application expertise.”
The integrated motor has an intuitive control panel with a simple built-in PLC. It offers analogue and digital I/Os (inputs and outputs), and supports the Modbus RTU communications protocol for easy integration with PLCs and other devices.
The LV Titanium variable-speed motor is currently available in smaller sizes from 1.5kW, and will be expanded to cover applications up to 30kW. In addition to being available in off-the-shelf versions, the motor can be customised to satisfy specific customer requirements.
