A novel energy management strategy has been developed by AVL Powertrain Engineering, Inc. (PEI) that includes a unique power split and optimization approach and is used successfully for the FED BRAVO program. In this program, AVL is responsible for developing and delivering the full hybrid propulsion system integrated into the Fuel Efficient Demonstrator (FED) Bravo vehicle, designed by PRIMUS. This paper presents control system development and tuning using both simulations and vehicle testing carried out at multiple proving grounds. It summarizes important lessons learnt, in particular balancing fuel economy and drivability. It presents correlation results of AVL CRUISE simulations with data from vehicle testing at Chelsea Proving Grounds (CPG) and Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG).