An electric machine operable as a motor or generator includes a stator having a body portion substantially in the shape of a hollow column with an outer wall and an inner wall. The body portion has a plurality of first slots and a plurality of second slots each running through the body portion in a longitudinal direction. The plurality of first slots are distributed in a circumferential direction between the outer wall and the inner wall, and the first slots are circumferentially closed slots. The plurality of second slots are distributed in the circumferential direction between the first slots and the inner wall, and the second slots are circumferentially closed slots and are spaced apart from the first slots.