<p>In this paper, research on enhancing the performances of a fault-tolerant permanent magnet vernier rim-driven machine (FTPMV-RDM) is carried out. By adopting more reasonable winding distributions, the amplitude of the average torque, power factor, and fault-tolerant capability can be significantly improved. First, the topology and working principle of the machine are analyzed, and four types of winding distribution structures are introduced. Then, the expression of the air-gap flux density is derived by an analytical model. The performances of the machine with different winding distribution structures are compared by finite element analysis (FEA). Combined with analytical models and FEA results, the influence of wingding distributions on the performances of the machine are analyzed in detailed, and approaches for improving the output torque, power factor, and fault-tolerant capacity are obtained. Finally, a prototype is built and tested. Results indicate that the machine with the YY30° negative wound winding structure has the highest output torque and power factor, as well as the stronger fault-tolerant capability.</p>