The series of DRN... motors from SEW in energy-saving class IE3 currently covers outputs from 120 watts to 200 kilowatts. The company has now announced that it will be expanded in the fall of 2020. There will then be four-pole motors of size 355 for operation on the 50 Hertz grid with outputs of 250, 315 and 355 kilowatts. For regions with 60 hertz grids, the motor power ratings will be given in the usual unit hp ("horsepower"): The available outputs are 350 hp (≙ 260 kilowatts), 400 hp (≙ 300 kilowatts), 450 hp (≙ 335 kW kilowatts) and 500 hp (≙ 375 kilowatts).

Due to their high mass, the DRN355 series motors can no longer be connected directly to a gearbox. They are therefore realized in the IM B3 design as foot motors or IM B35 in combination as foot and flange motors.

More and more countries are regulating motors with low speeds. As a result, eight-pole motors with rated speeds of around 730 rpm on the 50 hertz network or around 850 rpm on the 60 hertz network must also meet minimum efficiency levels. From July 1, 2021, the requirements of energy efficiency class IE2 will apply in the European Union for motors with outputs up to 750 watts, and class IE3 for larger motors. China is already increasing the requirements as of June 1, 2021: eight-pole motors with a rated output of 120 watts or more must meet Chinese Grade 3 there - and when exported there - which corresponds to international class IE3 from that date. In Brazil, too, statutory minimum efficiency levels for eight-pole IE3 motors from 120 watts have been prescribed since 01.09.2019. SEW is expanding the range of its 8-pole DRN motors in class IE3. The power range currently available from 90 to 250 watts will be increased up to and including 2.2 kilowatts in size DRN132S8 in the fall of 2020.

Eight-pole motors and a modified gear reduction ratio make it easier to achieve low speeds in the application. Under certain circumstances, a primary gearbox can be dispensed with or gear reduction ratios with lower losses can be used. Both have a positive effect on the energy and cost balance. as