A hybrid motor vehicle is operated in a front-loaded electrical power
mode. The motor vehicle includes a first, electrical based, propulsion
system which is powered by electrical energy stored in a rechargeable
battery, and a second, fuel-based propulsion system, which is powered by
oxidation of a fuel. According to the method, the amount of electrical
energy stored in the battery is measured, and a percentage of that
measured level is selected. A distance D which the first propulsion
system, operating singly, and using that stored energy, can propel the
vehicle is determined. A hybrid cruising range, which is greater than the
distance D is selected, and a controller controls the operation of the
first and second propulsion systems, in accord with a profile, so as to
power the vehicle such that when the vehicle has traveled through the
hybrid cruising range, the selected percentage of electrical energy is
depleted, and when the vehicle has traveled through the first 50% of the
hybrid cruising range, over 50% of the selected percentage of electrical
energy stored in the battery is depleted. Also disclosed is a controller
for implementing the method.