This invited paper gives an overview of various electric machines for application to Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs). First of all, the classification and a brief introduction of EVs and HEVs are presented. Then, viable electric machines that have been applied to EVs and HEVs, including the DC, induction, Switched Reluctance (SR) and Permanent Magnet (PM) brushless types, are reviewed. Consequently, the advanced PM machines that are promising for application to EVs and HEVs are discussed. Finally, the integrated PM machines are introduced, which are essential for future EVs and HEVs.