Methods and apparatus are provided for improved discharge of a DC bus which provides power to an inverter. An electric motor system provided with the improved discharge method for discharge of the DC bus includes an electric motor, the inverter which provides electric control for the permanent magnet electric motor, the direct current (DC) bus which provides power to the inverter, and a processor. The processor generates operational control signals and provides such operational control signals to the inverter. In response to detecting a predetermined discharge signal, the processor generates operational control signals for generating a ripple current in motor windings of the electric motor to dissipate energy from the DC bus through a passive load, the passive load including the motor windings of the electric motor.