Why is the term Drive used in relation to electric motors ?

The term drive is used to mean many things in industry, including being used as a generic word for motors, for drivetrains (such as gearboxes or pulley systems), and for controllers. More accurately, and for the purposes of this guide, ‘drive’ refers to a motor controller. A variable speed drive (VSD) is an electronic device that controls the electrical supply to a motor, enabling it to run at different speeds.