This paper deals with the study of a stator current excited Vernier reluctance machine. This structure is well known for operating at low speed and high torque. In the first part of this paper, we introduce an energetic model which yields the conditions on teeth and polarity numbers necessary for the smooth running of such a structure. Then, we give the procedure used to design a prototype. The second part is devoted to a brief look at the two-dimensional numerical approach used to model the machine. Finally, we present, and study, the constructed prototype. Different tests are performed, and the experimental values are compared to the calculated ones. We validate the operating principle of the current excited Vernier reluctance machine, and show its potential for low speed direct driven applications.