An electrified vehicle includes a vehicle door, an electronic door latch system configured to selectively open the vehicle door, and an electrified powertrain configured to generate drive torque. A high voltage battery system for powering the electrified powertrain includes one or more battery contactors to selectively enable the high voltage battery system. A controller is configured to control operation of the vehicle and is in communication with the electronic door latch system. Upon receiving a door open request from the electronic door latch system, the controller activates the one or more battery contactors to enable the high voltage battery system only when the door open request is initiated from an outside of the vehicle.