For electric vehicle applications, it is desirable to achieve maximum torque output of the traction motor for fast acceleration and minimize electrical losses, from energy saving point of view, which is achieved by Maximum Torque Per Ampere (MTPA) and Maximum Efficiency (ME) control methods, respectively. This paper introduces a compromise solution between MTPA and ME approaches obtained for Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (IPMSM) drive, smoothly combining them and yielding a desired priority of the maximum torque or efficiency depending on the operating conditions. The proposed approach does not require switching between the methods which can worsen the dynamic performance of the system, and it is easy in implementation. The paper demonstrates an application of the proposed methodology with respect to the referred torque profile. For lower torques, the system is closer to the MTPA control which is useful for the fast dynamics. For higher torques, where power losses are higher, the system is closer to the ME approach providing almost the minimum of electric energy losses, which is useful for preventing battery discharge. The methodology is justified analytically and verified via simulations of steady state and dynamic characteristics of a torque vector control system.