Traction Motor

Most are permanent-magnet synchronous motors; some use induction or magnet-free designs. Cars may have one, two or more motors. They are very efficient and give full torque from standstill. Some cars use separate motors on each axle for all-wheel drive, and a few use one motor per wheel for torque vectoring.

The inverter supplies AC that creates a rotating magnetic field turning the rotor.

Motors have few wearing parts, but bearings and seals can fail. Whining noises should be checked.