There are various types of motors, which can be divided into AC motors and DC motors according to the different forms of electrical energy. AC motors can be divided into single-phase AC motors and three-phase AC motors. In addition, motors can also be divided into synchronous motors and asynchronous motors based on different slip rates.

The main function of an electric motor is to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy to drive various mechanical devices, while a generator converts other forms of energy, such as chemical energy, water energy, or wind energy, into mechanical energy first, and then converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.