Due to the high efficiency, high force capability and low cost, the linear permanent-magnet (PM) vernier (LPMV) machine is very suitable for long stroke applications such as urban rail transits. This paper proposes
the LPMV machines with various topologies of half Halbach PM array, and investigates their electromagnetic performances, such as back electromotive force, force capability, PM eddy current loss and iron loss. Firstly,
the configuration and operation principle of the LPMV machines are presented. By using the finite element method, it can be known that the LPMV machine with half Halbach PM array in the armature core exhibits
high thrust and low detent force. Then, the demagnetizations of half PM array are analyzed to guarantee the security and credibility of the machine in operation. Finally, the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis is validated by the experiments on a prototype of the LPMV machine.