This paper presents a five-phase fault-tolerant permanent-magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) used for electric vehicles. In multiphase fault-tolerant PMSMs equipped with fractional-slot concentrated windings, excessive magneto-motive force (MMF) harmonics can lead to thermal demagnetization of the permanent magnets (PMs). In order to reduce the lower-order harmonics, the origins of the 2-pole harmonic in conventional winding configurations are investigated, and an unequal-turn winding configuration is applied to cancel the lower-order harmonics. The main electromagnetic performances of the unequal-turn winding configuration are investigated and compared with conventional winding topologies. Based on the principle of maintaining constant instantaneous power, the fault-tolerant control strategies for open-circuits of up to two phases are developed. All of the investigations are verified by finite element analysis (FEA) results.