A multilevel inverter includes a first half bridge in series with a second half bridge, each comprising a switch having a channel. The switch is configured to block a substantial voltage in a first direction during a first mode of operation, to conduct substantial current through the channel in the first direction during a second mode of operation, and to conduct substantial current through the channel in a second direction during a third mode of operation. During the third mode of operation, a gate of the switch is biased relative to a source of the switch at a voltage that is less than a threshold voltage of the switch. The inverter may also include a third half bridge. The inverter can be configured such that in operation, switches of the third half bridge are switched at a substantially lower frequency than the switches of the first and second half bridges.