Abstract: Electric induction motors are either of the cylindrical or axial air-gap types; disadvantages of the former type, which is the more common in use, are in part overcome by the latter type, but the invention provides a new concept in electric induction motors and drive assemblies of the axial air-gap type, which eliminates the need for maintenance and substantially removes the need for skilled personnel for inspection, cleaning, modification or even installation. Induction drives according to the invention have a virtually instantaneously replaceable stator core, so that a failed stator winding can be overcome by removing it and fitting a new one, so that continued use of the electric drive can be resumed after a few minutes downtime only. Various structural arrangements for achieving this are disclosed.