Abstract: A three-phase electric motor assembly is configured to include phase windings that are substantially equally distributed between radially inner portions and radially outer portions within axial slots of a stator core. At least two of the phase windings each include radial inner portions within selected slots and radial outer portions within other slots, such that each of the radial inner portions is positioned within a slot radially inward from the radial outer portion of another of the phase windings, and each of the radial outer portions is positioned within a slot radially outward from the radial inner portion of another of the phase windings. The motor assembly provides balanced impedance between the phase windings to minimize losses attributed to inter-phase circulating currents, increasing overall motor efficiency. The arrangement of the phase windings configures the winding for more direct exposure of at least a part of each phase winding to a cooling system for enhanced heat rejection from end coils.