This paper reports a novel position detection method for permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) operating at standstill and low speed via the application of carrier phase-shifted PWM technology. And also a polarity identification method for PMSM in a rotary frame along with the position detection by using the neutral voltage is proposed. The new technique identifies PMSM motor position from simple measurements on the neutral point voltage which affected by the variation of inductances in responding to rotor position. Then, along with the current vector control, the developed methods are applied in driving a PMSM start at standstill and low speed. The theoretical analysis results are verified by the experimental data obtained from tests at different rotor positions within one electrical cycle during operating of both standstill and low speed.