An electric machine system includes an electric motor. The electric motor includes a stator having a plurality of windings that define a number of phases. A plurality of switch members are operatively coupled to the plurality of windings. The plurality of switch members are no more than one less than three times the number of phases. A controller is operatively coupled to the plurality of switch members. The controller selectively changes a state of the plurality of switch members to establish one of a first electrical connection configuration of the plurality of windings and a second electrical connection configuration of the plurality of windings.