A power output apparatus 20 includes a clutch motor, an assist motor,
and
a controller. The clutch motor and the assist motor are controlled by the controller
to enable the power output from an engine to a crankshaft 56, and expressed
as the product of its revolving speed and torque, to be converted to the power
expressed as the product of a revolving speed and a torque of a drive shaft and
to be output to the drive shaft. The engine can be driven at an arbitrary driving
point defined by a revolving speed and a torque, as long as the energy or power
output to the crankshaft is identical. A desired driving point that attains the
highest possible efficiency with respect to each amount of output energy is determined
in advance. In order to allow the engine to be driven at the desired driving point,
the controller controls the clutch motor and the assist motor as well as the fuel
injection and the throttle valve position. Such control procedures of the power
output apparatus enhance the energy efficiency of the whole power output apparatus.