Pump Industry sat down with TECO Australia and New Zealand product manager – low voltage motors Atheer Yaseen Nashi to discuss the future of industrial motors.
Australia and New Zealand’s industrial sectors are under mounting pressure to do more with less: reduce energy costs, increase uptime, and comply with tightening efficiency standards, all without disrupting operations.
In this context, electric motors are emerging as a critical lever for operational and environmental performance.
To understand the role of motor efficiency in meeting these demands, Pump Industry sat down with TECO Australia and New Zealand product manager – low voltage motors Atheer Yaseen Nashi to discuss the new TECO MAXeV4, a true IE4-rated electric motor designed to bridge the gap between energy performance and operational practicality.
What’s driving the shift towards IE4 motors in Australia and New Zealand?
AY: The biggest push comes from rising electricity costs and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) targets. For industries like oil and gas or water utilities that run motors 24/7, power bills are enormous.
Since 95 per cent of a motor’s lifetime cost is energy usage, even a few percentage points of efficiency improvement translate to serious savings. On top of that, we’re seeing more regulatory emphasis on high-efficiency motors under MEPS (minimum energy performance standards), especially in infrastructure and energy-intensive operations.
Why has IE4 taken this long to become practical?
AY: IE4 was always promising on paper, but the reality is, many IE4 motors were either permanent magnet or synchronous reluctance types. These need specific drives, are harder to service, and typically don’t drop into existing systems easily.
The new TECO MAXeV4 is different. It’s a squirrel cage induction motor, using standard components, available off-the-shelf, and retrofittable without modifying baseplates or coupling systems. That’s a game-changer in industries that cannot afford and cannot accept downtime.
What’s holding some customers back from adopting IE4?
AY: Cost perception is a big one. Many buyers still focus on upfront price rather than total cost of ownership. There is also the myth that IE4 always requires a variable speed drive (VSD), but that’s not true for the TECO MAXeV4. It runs on DOL (direct-on-line) or with any standard VSD.
Maintenance teams also worry about unfamiliar technology, especially with permanent magnet motors. The beauty of the TECO MAXeV4 is it’s simple, serviceable, and more efficient.
Where is TECO MAXeV4 making a difference in the field?
AY: We have seen strong results in oil and gas pumping systems, where typical issues experienced with cavitation and vibration wear motors down. The TECO MAXeV4’s Class H insulation, balanced rotor, 180°C rating and IP66 protection sealing really shines in this sector.
In irrigation, where load fluctuates seasonally, TECO MAXeV4 maintains high efficiency even at partial loads.
What makes this motor practical to use?
AY: Firstly, the terminal box rotates 360°, making cabling easy regardless of install constraints. Secondly, it’s retrofit-ready, with shaft and foot dimensions matching standard IEC motors. You just bolt it in.
Thirdly, it’s locally stocked. TECO holds inventory across all six branches in Australia and New Zealand, while our TECO ModShop can customise coatings, add thermistors, or rotate terminals within days or even hours.
How do you see energy efficiency shaping industrial strategies?
AY: It’s shifting from “nice to have” to “non-negotiable”. As operating margins tighten, motors that fail early or waste energy just aren’t viable.
Efficient motors like the TECO MAXeV4 don’t just save power, they run cooler, last longer and reduce unplanned outages. This makes them a strategic asset, not just a compliance checkbox. And in Australia’s climate – hot, dusty and remote – that reliability is priceless.
Any final thoughts?
AY: The TECO MAXeV4 embodies the next chapter in industrial reliability – motors that are not only energy efficient but also adaptable, durable, and easy to support locally.
As businesses across Australia and New Zealand pursue smarter, more sustainable operations, TECO’s focus on real-world performance ensures customers stay efficient, compliant, and competitive for years to come.
For more information, visit teco.com.au
