A method for managing a threshold increase in output torque capability in a vehicle includes detecting the threshold increase in output torque capability using a controller, and automatically limiting, via the controller, a rate of change of an actual output torque from a transmission of the vehicle in response to the threshold increase. The actual output torque is provided via a traction motor solely using battery power from an energy storage system. The method may include calculating a difference between the threshold increase and the actual output torque, and limiting the rate of change using a rate that is proportional to the difference. A vehicle includes the ESS, a transmission, and a controller. An output member of the transmission is powered using electrical energy from the ESS. The controller manages an increase in output torque capability as noted above.