Multiphase machines have some distinct merits, including the high power density, high torque density, high efficiency and low torque ripple, etc. which can be beneficial for many industrial applications. This paper presents four different types of six-phase outer-rotor permanent-magnet (PM) brushless machines for electric vehicles (EVs), which include the inserted PM (IPM) type, surface PM (SPM) type, PM flux-switching (PMFS) type, and PM vernier (PMV) type. First, the design criteria and operation principle are compared and discussed. Then, their key characteristics are addressed and analyzed by using the finite element method (FEM). The results show that the PMV type is quite suitable for the direct-drive application for EVs with its high torque density and efficiency. Also, the IPM type is suitable for the indirect-drive application for EVs with its high power density and efficiency.