A wheel motor drive system for electric automobiles comprises a car battery mounted on a vehicle body, at least two electric motors connected to vehicle wheels independently of each other, each of the motors having inherent torque characteristics with regard to a rotational speed and a maximum torque, sensors for monitoring a vehicle travelling condition, and a controller responsive to the vehicle travelling condition and the torque characteristics of the motors for controlling the motors at a low power consumption mode wherein at least one of the motors is driven within a high motor efficiency range so as to assure a long travel distance per one battery discharge.