In a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) employing a hybrid system using both an internal
combustion engine and a second motor/generator as a propelling power source for
vehicle propulsion, and also employing a first generator driven by the engine for
power generation, an integrated HEV control system is provided to control the engine,
and the first and second motor/generators. The integrated HEV control system permits
operation of only the second motor/generator as the propelling power source to
establish a motor propelled vehicle driving mode and simultaneously basically inhibits
operation of the engine, when satisfying at least a condition that the engine misfire
occurs. If a power generation requirement or a battery recharge requirement is
present during the misfire period, operation of the engine is temporarily permitted
for driving the first motor/generator only for a battery recharge.