Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing electromagnetic drag in an electric machine may include a laminated stator having wire slots disposed around the inner periphery spaced into sectors separated by a pole iron support structure. The slots contain induction windings. A series of wound lateral pole irons may be arranged around the inner periphery of the stator, the first ends of which extend into the slots in the sectors. A support structure supports the lateral pole irons by forming a circular opening concentric with the inner periphery of the stator, A rotor may be inserted into the circular opening of the lateral pole iron support structure and supported at the stator lateral pole iron ends by a support means. A plurality of rotor inserts may contain free-wheeling permanent magnet inserts spaced along an outer periphery of the rotor.