Control device for hybrid electric vehicle

A control device for a hybrid electric vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine, a battery, and a generator, wherein:

• a three-way catalyst having oxygen storage capacity is disposed in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine;
• the generator is configured to charge the battery using output of the internal combustion engine;
• and
• the control device is configured to
• determine whether a fuel-cut delay condition is satisfied, when a fuel-cut condition of the internal combustion engine is satisfied,
• delay execution of fuel cut of the internal combustion engine for a predetermined period when determination is made that the fuel-cut delay condition is satisfied,
• set an engine air-fuel ratio during the predetermined period to a target air-fuel ratio that is within an exhaust control window of the three-way catalyst and leaner than a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, and
• control the generator such that the output generated by the internal combustion engine during the predetermined period is used to charge the battery.