In this paper, three different system topologies for a high performance electric vehicle drive are compared to each other. Next to the classical three phase permanent magnet synchronous machine in different connection schemes, also one topology containing a six phase machine has been included into the study. Suitable inverter topologies are discussed as well as the design of the multiphase winding of the six phase machine. For each of the topologies under investigation, identical types of power semiconductor devices available on the market have been defined as well as an identical active volume of the inverter. The three system topologies (three phase single star machine with parallel inverters, three phase machine in H-bridge / six leg connection, six phase double star machine) have been compared to each other regarding their performance as well as their active short circuit and no-load characteristics. It has been shown by means of simulation that the six phase PSM structure offers some remarkable advantages with regard to its three phase counterparts which makes it adequate for high performance electric vehicle drive applications.:I. Introduction II. Inverter Topologies II.a) Three Phase, Single Star with Parallel Inverter (m3) II.b) Three Phase, H-bridge (m3h) II.c) Six Phase, Double Star (m6) III. Design of Electrical Machine IV. Simulation Results IV.a) Peak Performance IV.b) Induced Back-e.m.f. IV.c) Stationary Short Circuit Condition V. System Comparison VI. Conclusion