An electronically commutated electric motor (110) has a permanent-magnet rotor (28), a stator having a stator winding arrangement (40), a motor control module (20) implemented as an IC and having a control logic unit (27), and an external power stage (50), separate from the IC, for influencing the current flow in the stator winding arrangement (40). The motor control module (20) has an internal power stage (29) having at least one open collector output (21, 23). The control logic unit (27) is configured to process a rotor position signal (24′, 24″) and to generate therefrom control signals (27′) for the internal power stage (29), which control signals (27′) serve to apply control to the internal power stage (29). Using an external power stage (50) reduces vulnerability to motor overheating and provides design flexibility.