Hybrid vehicle control apparatus wherein battery is charged based on required charging amount and/or energy conversion efficiency of electric generator

A control apparatus for controlling a hybrid automotive vehicle including an engine operable by combustion of a fuel and an electric motor as drive power sources for driving the vehicle, a continuously variable transmission through which at least a drive force generated by said engine is transmitted to drive wheels of the vehicle, and an electric generator operable by said engine to generate an electric energy for charging a battery while the vehicle is driven by said engine, said control apparatus comprising:

• a first engine/transmission control device operable upon charging of said battery, to increase a torque of said engine while shifting down said continuously variable transmission so as to increase an operating speed of said engine;
• and
• a second engine/transmission control device operable upon an increase in a vehicle-operator's desired drive power for driving the vehicle, to increase said torque of said engine and shifting down said transmission so as to increase the operating speed of said engine, said second engine/transmission control device including engine-output increasing means for increasing said torque of said engine, said engine having a throttle valve, and said engine-output increasing means having a response higher than said throttle valve.