An electric machine having a stator and a rotor arranged on an axis of rotation and a first fan, which extends in the radial direction on one section of the axis of rotation and delivers a coolant flow into the electric machine during operation. The electric machine further includes a fan directing element, which interacts with the first fan and deflects at least a proportion of the coolant flow. Variable and demand-based cooling of the electric machine can be achieved by the fan directing element, which can in particular be adjustable.