A hybrid electrical vehicle and a method for controlling a hybrid electrical vehicle are provided. The vehicle includes: a transmission device (1) connected with wheels (2a and 2b) of the hybrid electrical vehicle; an engine (3) and a gearbox (4), wherein the engine (3) is connected with the transmission device (1) via the gearbox (4); an electric motor (5) and a gear reducer (6), wherein the electric motor (5) is connected with the transmission device (1) via the gear reducer (6); a power battery (7) configured to supply power to the electric motor (5); and a control module configured to start the engine (3) and the electric motor (5) according to a working mode selected by a user from a plurality of working modes, and to control the vehicle to switch between the plurality of working modes according to a driving state of the vehicle and/or a working state of the power battery.