A pulse width modulation (PWM) Frequency Adaptation Mechanism (PFAM) is configured to receive vehicle state input, and in response to the vehicle state input, provide a PWM parameter for PWM switching of electronics in a power conversion circuit of an electric drive system (EDS) for a hybrid electric vehicle. In one example, a PWM parameter that reduces the audible noise generated by PWM switching can be designated by the PFAM. A PFAM can be configured to receive user input regarding user preference for a default mode or a noise reduction mode. Vehicle state input can include input related to vehicle motion, climate control system state, engine state, EDS state, vehicle body state and audio system state. By way of example, a PWM noise reduction parameter can comprise a high PWM switching frequency, or a random frequency hopping about a low PWM switching frequency.