A method for starting an engine of an electric drive machine may include the method steps of introducing current to an electric motor system from a battery and receiving the current into at least one coil on an electric motor of the electric motor system. The electric motor may be configured to drive the electric drive machine when operating. The method may also include the steps of releasing the energy from the at least one coil to an energy storage device and discharging the voltage from the energy storage device to a power generation system to start the engine. A system for starting an engine of an electric drive machine is also disclosed.