The invention relates to a method and system for controlling a hybrid vehicle. A hybrid controller for controlling the hybrid vehicle is provided. The hybrid vehicle has an engine, an electric motor and an engine controller determining a crankshaft torque. The hybrid controller includes an optimization module determining an electric motor torque, determining an engine torque and communicating theengine torque from the hybrid controller to the engine controller. The hybrid controller also includes a motor control module controlling the electric motor based on the electric motor torque.