NOVELTY - The system (50) has an accelerator for generating an accelerator input signal. A speed sensor (37) and a temperature sensor (36) are mounted within the vehicle and provide sensor input signals. A traction controller (51) is in communication with an electric motor (11) e.g. asynchronous three-phase alternate current induction motor, to facilitate adjustment based on the accelerator signal and one of the sensor signals. A deck controller (52) is in communication with a right deck motor (27) and a left deck motor (28), and the traction controller facilitates adjustment of the electric motor.    USE - Control system for an electric drive system of an electrically powered vehicle e.g. utility vehicle such as lawn tractor, which is utilized for lawn mowing.    ADVANTAGE - The deck controller provides a flexible programming capability that drives blades in a mower deck to allow inclusion of a slight delay and/or ramping up to optimal cutting speed for both safety and energy conservation. The system provides a blade stop function that performs a controlled stop of mower blades when either power take-off switch is deactivated or when key switch is deactivated. The system automatically initiates a vehicle speed reduction in the mowing state and makes adjustments under increasing loads. The system allows for safe and efficient use of the vehicle. The system provides a power take-off timeout, automatic fail-safe brake and customized drive characteristics.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing steps for a control process for an electric drive system of a vehicle.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a block diagram illustrating an overview of a vehicle control system.    Electric motor (11)    Right deck motor (27)    Left deck motor (28)    Temperature sensor (36)    Speed sensor (37)    Control system (50)    Traction controller (51)    Deck controller (52)