Method of controlling generated power in series hybrid vehicle

From the tendency of an inverter input power Pi or a motor dissipation power in a certain period is first estimated the tendency of the inverter input power Pi or the motor dissipation power in the next period. The target power to be generated is then set on the basis of the results of the estimation. Alternatively the target power to be generated is corrected in accordance with the quantities such as an accelerator angle θA indicating the load of the motor or a battery current IB indicating the state of charge/discharge of the battery (16). Alternatively that period is compulsorily interrupted to start the next period. This will eliminate a delay arising from averaging the inverter input powers Pi or the motor dissipation power for use as the target power P in the next period, thus resulting in improved vehicle power efficiency and drive feeling.