WEDGE WITH AUXILIARY TOOL METHOD FOR MECHANICAL MAGNET RETENTION IN ELECTRIC MACHINES

An electric machine for powering an electric vehicle includes a rotor, a plurality of first rotor laminations, and a plurality of second rotor laminations. The rotor is configured to rotate relative to a stator to drive a rotor shaft and at least one drive wheel of the electric vehicle, the rotor defining at least a first rotor slot configured to receive a magnet therein. The plurality of first rotor laminations stacked upon each other each having a first pattern. The plurality of second rotor laminations each have a second pattern, distinct from the first pattern, and have a retention mechanism defined thereon. The plurality of second rotor laminations are configured to deflect upon advancement of an auxiliary tool into the plurality of second rotor laminations at the respective retention mechanisms, the respective retention mechanisms deflecting into the magnet creating a retention load retaining the magnet within the rotor slot.