HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND METHOD OF CONTROL THEREOF

A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) comprises an engine and at least one electric machine. The vehicle is operable in an electric vehicle (EV) mode in which the electric machine develops torque to drive the vehicle whilst the engine is switched off. In an embodiment, the vehicle is operable when in EV mode automatically to cause engine turnover without starting the engine when a prescribed one or more conditions are met. The amount of torque needed to motor the engine is varied by controlling the engine inlet or outlet valves.