In this paper, a simplified control scheme is introduced for permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs). The control strategy consists of a direct voltage controller that capitalizes on the motor's model to achieve accurate speed tracking. As such, no explicit currents loop regulation is needed which simplifies the control structure and unlike other control strategies, no motor's parameter knowledge, voltage or current transducer is required. But, the absence of current regulation loops yields higher energy consumption, which limits the motor's range of operation. Therefore, a genetic algorithm is presented to determine control gains with optimal current consumption ensuring operation at the full range of the machine. Simulation and experimental results for different situations highlight the performance of the proposed controller in transient, steady-state, and standstill conditions. Furthermore, the simplicity of the control scheme makes it a good candidate for a low-cost implementation of real-time PMSM drives.