SYSTEM AND METHOD USING FRICTION CLUTCH ON ELECTRIFIED VEHICLE FOR ENHANCED SHIFT FEEL

An electrified powertrain and method that generates and transfers drive torque to a driveline of an electrified vehicle is provided. The electrified powertrain includes an electric drive module (EDM) and a controller. The EDM includes an electric motor having an output, a transmission that is driven by the output of the electric motor, and a clutch that moves between (i) a closed position; (ii) an open position; and (iii) a plurality of slip positions between the closed and open positions. The controller controls the clutch based on operating conditions. The controller: commands a steady state clutch operation and electric motor torque based on a position of an accelerator pedal; determines whether an output torque of the electric motor is at a limit; and commands a simulated shift that modifies a position of the clutch based on a determination that the electric motor is at the limit.