To solve the key problems of the electric drive system, a controller area network(CAN)based electric drive system for electric vehicles was designed. The system was composed of two parts: a CAN communication module and a motor control module. The newest transceiver (TJA1040) and a standalone CAN controller were used during the design of the CAN communication module, and antijamming measures were employed to guarantee communication stability. The fuzzyvector control method and direct speed control were applied to realize highly robust control functions. This system has high compatibility. It can be installed in electric vehicles as an independent module and be extended through CAN Bus. 