This paper investigates the influences of system layout on common mode (CM) EMI noise of an electric vehicle (EV) powertrain with a traction inverter using silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs. First, a system level conducted EMI model for the whole SiC EV powertrain is presented, which includes a battery pack, DC cables, a SiC inverter, AC cables, and a PMSM. Then, the impacts of system layout, such as the AC cable length, the AC cable type, and the DC cable type (shielded cable and unshielded cable) on CM EMI noise are analyzed through time domain simulations of the system level conducted EMI model. Next, a conducted EMI emission test-bed for a SiC EV powertrain is built. Finally, experiments on the test-bed are carried out to verify the influences of system layout on CM EMI noise in the SiC EV powertrain.