The field winding is powered by a separate external source, such as an accumulator. Regulation is done by adjusting the voltage on the rotor and the excitation current. DC motor with external excitation has a hard torque characteristic that is especially advantageous for traction purposes. The advantage is its simple and smooth speed control over a wide range and its ability to smoothly transition from driving to braking. However, it has a lower stall torque. 

Additionally, with an increased voltage in the entire motor system, higher efficiency is achieved due to reduced voltage drops on the brushes. This also results in smaller current flow in the motor and the connecting lines, leading to benefits such as reduced weight, smaller size, and lower production costs. These motors have high overload capacity, capable of handling 20% more power than the rated continuous power for one hour. During start-up, they can even handle 100% more power for a short time. These motors have been widely used in electric vehicles, as they can be powered directly by the battery.