A method for operating an electric drive system is provided. For example, a controller retrieves, from memory, a predictive model indicating predictive winding temperatures associated with known negative temperature coefficient (NTC) temperatures, wherein the predictive model is based on historical NTC temperatures and historical winding temperatures, as well as one or more operating parameters. The controller receives current NTC information indicating one or more current NTC readings corresponding to one or more switching devices within the inverter. The controller determines estimated winding temperatures corresponding to the electric machine based on the predictive model and the one or more current NTC readings as well as current operating parameters. The controller provides instructions to adjust inputs to the electric machine based on the estimated winding temperatures.