Patent ID: 7478691

Claim:
A control method of a hybrid vehicle including an internal combustion engine, a motor which can output power to a driving shaft coupled with an axle, and an electric power storage device which can store electric power obtained by converting at least part of power from the internal combustion engine to electric power and which can supply the electric power to the motor, comprising the steps of: setting a required driving force required for running according to an operation of a driver; in response to the elapse of a predetermined time period after an instruction for starting the vehicle is given, starting the internal combustion engine if the required driving force is equal to or smaller than a predetermined driving force and the vehicle can travel using only the motor; and storing heat generated by the internal combustion engine during operation, and preheating the internal combustion engine using the stored heat when the internal combustion engine is started, wherein the predetermined time period is longer than a time necessary for completing preheating of the internal combustion engine.