A vehicle propulsion system includes a combustion engine configured to output a propulsion torque to satisfy a propulsion demand, and a traction electric machine to generate a supplemental torque to selectively supplement the propulsion torque. The propulsion system also includes a controller programmed to forecast an acceleration demand based on at least one estimation model. The controller is also programmed to issue a command indicative of a required axle torque corresponding to the acceleration demand. The controller is further programmed to engage at least one fuel conservation action in response to the required axle torque being within a first predetermined torque threshold range.