1. Introduction

The chapter begins with the invention of the electric battery by Alessandro Volta in 1800, which enabled systematic research into electrical and magnetic phenomena. Michael Faraday's demonstration of electromagnetic rotation in 1821 and Christian Oersted's discovery of electromagnetic induction in 1822 laid the groundwork for electric motors. Notable inventors like Peter Barlow, Istvan Jedlik, and Moritz Jacobi made significant strides in developing early DC motors. The chapter also delves into the development of AC motors, with key contributions from Galileo Ferraris, Nikola Tesla, and Michael Dolivo-Dobrowolsky. The invention of the three-phase AC system by Friedrich August Haselwander revolutionized power transmission. The chapter concludes with a brief overview of modern variable-speed drives and the evolution of electromobility, highlighting the pivotal role of lithium-ion batteries in contemporary electric vehicles.