An electric motor assembly includes a primary electric motor including a primary rotor assembly and a primary stator assembly configured to be actuated to cause the primary rotor assembly to rotate based on an amount of magnetic flux in the rotor assembly. The assembly also includes a secondary electric motor including a secondary rotor assembly and a secondary stator assembly and a controllable magnetic device coupled to at least one of the primary rotor assembly and the secondary rotor assembly. The assembly also includes a controller configured to actuate the secondary electric motor based on a failure of the primary electric motor, and apply electric current to the controllable magnetic device to reduce back electromotive force (BEMF) caused by rotation of the primary rotor assembly during actuation of the secondary electric motor.