Systems and methods provide a drive system control architecture that comprises a seamless interface between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vehicle systems or components (e.g., accelerator pedal, brake pedal, accessory components, etc.) and third-party (or non-OEM) vehicle systems or components (e.g., motor/generator (MG) and inverter systems, fuel cell and battery systems, transmission, etc.). A universal interface implemented in a vehicle may receive a request for a specified amount of torque from one or more components of a first set of vehicle components, and may determine a balance between one or more components of a second set of vehicle components for delivering the specified amount of torque. The universal interface may then instruct the one or more components of the second set of vehicle components to deliver a commensurate portion of the specified amount of torque.