An electric machine system described herein comprises a first and second electric machines configured to drive a load. The first electric machine has a plurality of first rotors driven using electric power having a first phase. The second electric machine has a plurality of second rotors driven using electric power having a second phase. The second phase differs from the first phase. Each of one or more shafts connects a first rotor with a second rotor. The first rotor is coaxial with and axially spaced apart from the second rotor.