The rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) has intensified the need for efficient and high-performance electric drive systems. The selection of an appropriate electric drive plays a crucial role in determining the overall efficiency, reliability, and dynamic performance of EVs. This work presents a performance-based evaluation and selection of electric drive systems considering key operational parameters such as efficiency, torque-speed characteristics, power density, thermal performance, and control complexity. Different types of electric drives, including DC motors, induction motors, permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM), and brushless DC (BLDC) motors, are analysed and compared under varying driving conditions. The study emphasizes the impact of drive selection on vehicle acceleration, energy consumption, and regenerative braking capability. Advanced control strategies and power electronic interfaces associated with each drive system are also discussed to highlight their influence on system performance. A comparative analysis is carried out to identify the most suitable electric drive configuration for specific EV applications such as urban commuting and high-performance vehicles. The results indicate that modern AC drive systems, particularly PMSM and BLDC motors, offer superior efficiency, compact size, and better controllability compared to conventional systems. This study provides a systematic approach for selecting optimal electric drive systems, contributing to improved efficiency and sustainability in electric vehicle technology.