A system includes a hybrid power train having a combustion torque device, an electrical torque device, a driveline mechanically coupled to the torque devices, a battery that exchanges energy with the driveline, and a torque input device that provides a torque request. The hybrid power train is at least partially parallel. The system includes a controller having modules to execute operations for rate control of the hybrid power train. A battery protection module determines a battery protection charge rate limit, a power train protection module determines a power train protection torque change limit, and a torque request module determines the torque request. A rate control module provides a torque balance parameter in response to the limits and the torque request. A torque control module provides an electrical torque and a combustion torque to the driveline in response to the torque balance parameter.