Method for operating a fuel pump in a motor vehicle and fuel pump

The method involves providing a stator (5) and a rotor (6) in a brushless direct current motor (4) arranged in a housing (3) of a fuel pump (1). The rotor is arranged on a shaft (7), where a pump stage (8) is driven by the shaft during rotation of the rotor. Variables of the motor required for determining commutation are received at a processor (9) in an engine controller (10) of a motor vehicle. Electrical signals for commutation are generated in the processor based on the variables according to field-oriented regulation. The electrical signals are supplied to the motor for commutation. An independent claim is also included for a fuel pump provided in a motor vehicle having a brushless direct current motor in a housing.