System and method for controlling high-torque, high speed electric motors

A method includes, at a controller: directing current through a set of coil assemblies in an electric motor based on a first commutation technique; in response to an operating speed of the electric motor exceeding a first operating speed threshold, initiating a transition from the first commutation technique to a second commutation technique; during a transition period, directing current through the set of coil assemblies based on the first commutation technique controlled according to a first pulse width modulation scheme and the second commutation technique controlled according to a second pulse width modulation scheme; and, in response to completion of the transition period, directing current through the set of coil assemblies based on the second commutation technique.