A system for an electrified vehicle, such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV), includes an inverter connected between a battery and a motor having windings. A center-tap of the battery and a neutral-point of the windings are connected whereby the battery, the inverter, and the motor are connected in a closed circuit. The system further includes a controller configured to control the inverter to cause a circulating current from the battery through the closed circuit to thereby achieve a target temperature of the battery.