A drive system is provided with a first motor generator as a power source, and a multistage gear transmission for changing the speed of output from the first motor generator and transmitting the output to drive wheels. The multistage gear transmission has a plurality of engagement clutches as shifting elements that are meshingly engaged upon movement from a disengaged position. This hybrid vehicle is provided with a start control device where, when a start clutch has been engaged while the vehicle is stopped, the start control device maintains the engagement of the start clutch for a duration that includes when the vehicle is stopped and until the next vehicle start.