There is provided a method of controlling a power-train of a hybrid
electric vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine, a first
electric machine directly driven by the internal combustion engine for
generating electricity, and a second electric machine driven at least
partly with the electricity for driving the vehicle wheel. The method
comprises adjusting the speed and adjusting the torque of the internal
combustion engine, while substantially maintaining the intake manifold
pressure, in response to a change of the desired electricity from the
first electric machine. According to the method, the higher engine
efficiency can be maintained, because the engine intake manifold pressure
is maintained during adjusting the engine speed and torque. The engine
speed may be adjusted corresponding to a speed of the first electric
machine with higher efficiency and the desired output electricity.
Therefore, both the engine and the first electric machine may achieve the
respective higher efficiencies. Consequently, overall efficiency of a
series HEV power-train can be improved.