Abstract: A rotor (10) for an axial-flux electrical machine (12) is provided. The rotor (10) comprises an annular disc-shaped central frame (20) formed of a ferromagnetic material and having first and second opposing surfaces (26, 28). Each of the first and second opposing surface (26, 28) has shaped protrusions (40) extending therefrom. The rotor (10) further comprises a first and a second outer frame (22, 24) formed of a non-ferromagnetic, electrically conducting material. Each outer frame (22, 24) has an inner periphery portion (32) and an outer periphery portion (34) and a plurality of bars (36) galvanically connecting the inner and outer periphery portions (32, 34). Gap portions (38) are defined between adjacent bars (36) and the inner and outer periphery portions (32, 34). The gap portions (38) are shaped complementary to the shaped protrusions (40) of the central frame (20).

Abstract: A rotor (10) for an axial-flux electrical machine (12) is provided. The rotor (10) comprises an annular disc-shaped central frame (20) formed of a ferromagnetic material and having first and second opposing surfaces (26, 28). Each of the first and second opposing surface (26, 28) has shaped protrusions (40) extending therefrom. The rotor (10) further comprises a first and a second outer frame (22, 24) formed of a non-ferromagnetic, electrically conducting material. Each outer frame (22, 24) has an inner periphery portion (32) and an outer periphery portion (34) and a plurality of bars (36) galvanically connecting the inner and outer periphery portions (32, 34). Gap portions (38) are defined between adjacent bars (36) and the inner and outer periphery portions (32, 34). The gap portions (38) are shaped complementary to the shaped protrusions (40) of the central frame (20).

Abstract: An electric drive system for a vehicle; said drive system including an electric motor at at least one wheel of said vehicle; said electric motor comprising an electric field source adapted to induce rotational torque in the brake disc associated with said wheel of said vehicle. In an alternative form there is provided a method of imparting a torque to a wheel of a vehicle; said wheel having a brake disc rotor mechanically associated with it; said method comprising utilizing said rotor as a motor rotor whereby said rotor performs a dual function of a disc brake and a motor rotor.