Apparatus and method for controlling hybrid electric vehicle

An apparatus for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle, the apparatus comprising:

• a driving information detection part configured to detect vehicle driving information;
• and
• a controller configured to perform engine clutch engagement prohibition control logic;
• wherein the controller is further configured to:
• check a vehicle driving state from the detected vehicle driving information, and determine whether to satisfy a predetermined engine clutch engagement prohibition condition, wherein the engine clutch engagement prohibition condition, as a condition for the vehicle driving state, includes a condition in which an engine clutch is in an open state, a condition in which the vehicle creeps with a motor, and a condition in which an engine is on;
• generate and output a control command for prohibiting engine clutch engagement and maintain the engine clutch in the open state, when it is determined that the predetermined engine clutch engagement prohibition condition is satisfied from the vehicle driving state;
• and
• maintain the engine clutch in the open state which is a power cut-off state.