Electric Motor Prices: Why Does the Price per kW Drop on Larger Units?

“How much is this motor?” has no single answer. But if you divide the price by the motor’s power, an interesting picture appears: on a small motor every kilowatt costs much more, while on a large motor it gets cheaper. In this article we show this with examples from HEM Motor’s list prices dated 24.09.2026, and explain how this knowledge can save you money when buying.

Price per kW: why does a small motor cost more?

In the examples below we divided the list price of 1500 rpm cast iron motors by their power. Prices exclude VAT.

On a 0.75 kW motor one kilowatt costs about 6,135 TL, while on a 200 kW motor it drops to 1,606 TL. In other words, you pay almost 3.8 times more per kilowatt on the small motor.

The reason is simple: every motor has fixed parts that do not depend on power. The terminal box, bearings, fan, end shields, paint and assembly labour exist on both small and large motors. On a small motor this fixed cost makes up most of the total price.

Speed also changes the price

Among motors of the same power, speed creates the biggest price difference. List prices of our 7.5 kW cast iron motors:

• 3000 rpm: 16,676.00 TL – view product
• 1500 rpm: 17,825.50 TL – view product
• 1000 rpm: 26,158.00 TL – view product

The 1000 rpm motor is about 57% more expensive than the 3000 rpm one, because delivering the same power at lower speed requires a larger frame and more copper. If the speed your machine needs is known, choose the matching motor. Buying a lower-speed motor than necessary both raises the price and forces you to change the gearbox or pulley arrangement.

Aluminium or cast iron?

Between 0.25 and 11 kW there are two frame options. At 7.5 kW 1500 rpm, the aluminium frame motor lists at 17,015.25 TL and the cast iron one at 17,825.50 TL. The difference is about 4.8%.

• Aluminium frame: Lighter and slightly more affordable. Suitable for enclosed, clean environments and light machines.
• Cast iron frame: More resistant to impact and vibration. Preferred for dusty, humid and heavy-duty conditions.

How can this save you money?

The price-per-kW logic is especially useful in plants that use several small motors. For example, two separate 4 kW motors (1500 rpm, cast iron) total 22,965.80 TL at list price, while a single 7.5 kW motor is 17,825.50 TL. If your machine layout allows it, driving with one larger motor instead of two smaller ones can be more economical. This decision of course depends on the machine design and should be evaluated at the design stage.

On the other hand, buying an oversized motor also wastes money: it costs more and draws unnecessary current because it runs at low load. To choose the right power, see our current table and torque table.

What else is added to the price?

• VAT: 20% VAT is added to list prices in Türkiye. Product pages also show the VAT-inclusive amount.
• Shipping: Motors are sent with contracted freight and cargo companies; shipping is paid by the buyer.
• Bank transfer discount: Paying by bank transfer / EFT gives a 3% discount on the list price.

Where can I see the current price?

The current list price, VAT-inclusive amount and bank transfer price of each of our 117 motors is shown on its own product page. Go to Buy Electric Motors (online shop) to find your motor by power and speed. If you are not sure which motor you need, send us a photo of your old motor’s nameplate via our contact page or call +90 532 345 49 86.