This article presents the general requirement of traction motor drives. The differences between traction motors and industrial motors are compared. The classification of traction motors is given and the characteristics of each type of motors namely DC motor, induction motor, permanent magnet (PM) motor, PM hybrid motor and switched reluctance motor are discussed and evaluated. The newly developed stator-PM machines are also introduced. The design consideration of traction motors is described with emphasis on sizing equation, selection of electric and magnetic loadings, speed ratings and etc. Moreover, system level consideration in traction motor design, including single or multi-motor configurations, fixed- or variable-gearing transmissions, geared or gearless, voltage level and etc., are also presented. Power devices and power converters for traction motor drives are discussed and evaluated. Control strategies for traction motor drives, including field-oriented control (FOC), direct torque control (DTC), artificial intelligent control (AIC), and position-sensorless control (PSLC), are presented and compared.