An electric motor is provided including: a stator, an armature rotatably received within the stator and having an armature shaft on which a commutator is mounted, and a brush assembly. The brush assembly defines a first side facing the stator and a second side. The brush assembly includes a brush card mount having openings, brushes in sliding contact with the commutator, and thermally-conductive brush holders that support the brushes. Each brush holder includes a base piece disposed between the first side of the brush assembly and the stator, and a main piece including a brush-holder portion and two side flat portions. The brush-holder portion is axially received through a brush card mount opening from the first side of the brush assembly and protrude over the second side to house a brush. The two side flat portions are axially sandwiched between the base piece and the brush card mount.