An adaptive control system for an electric motor has energization circuitry connected to phase windings of the motor for energization thereof and a controller for generating a control signal corresponding to a profile of an excitation current. The control signal is applied to the energization circuitry to control energization of the phase windings. The energization circuitry provides the excitation current to the phase windings from a power supply. For a present combination of torque and speed, the controller adaptively determine the profile of the excitation current optimal for achieving a particular motor control objective. Excitation current profiles may be optimized to achieve maximum efficiency, maximum torque, minimum torque ripple, minimum core loss, etc.