There is provided a controller for a heat capture and storage system configured to capture and store energy from heat expelled in engine exhaust. The controller includes a plurality of inputs, a plurality of outputs, and at least one processor coupled to a memory for storing within the memory instructions executable by the at least one processor. The controller is configured by execution of the instructions stored in the memory to: receive signals at one or more of the plurality of inputs, the signals representing at least one operating parameter of the heat capture and storage system; and based on at least one operating parameter, generate signals at one or more of the plurality of outputs for controlling at least one component of the heat capture and storage system to capture and store the energy from the heat expelled in the engine exhaust.