A system and method for controlling a permanent magnet motor are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment receives a torque command and a flux command; receives information corresponding to a direct current (DC) bus voltage and a motor speed; computationally determines feedforward direct-axis current information and feedforward quadrature-axis current information from a plurality of parameters associated with the permanent magnet motor; determines a current signal (idq*) based upon at least the requested torque command, the flux command, the DC bus voltage, the motor speed, the feedforward direct-axis current information, and the feedforward quadrature-axis current information; and controls a power inverter that converts DC power into alternating current (AC) power that is supplied to the permanent magnet motor, such that the permanent magnet motor is operated in accordance with the determined idq*.