A computer for an energy management system of an electric vehicle includes a processor. The computer further includes a memory including instructions such that the processor is programmed to determine a value function V based on a plurality of actions U in a plurality of states S. The processor is further programmed to select an action associated with a highest reward value at a current state S. The action U is an HVAC subsystem variable. The state S is a traction power drawn from a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) to operate a traction subsystem, a base power input drawn from the RESS to operate an HVAC subsystem, a nominal reference cabin heat input set-point determined by the local HVAC processor, an acceleration of the electric vehicle, a current vehicle speed, an average vehicle speed, and a calibrated average vehicle speed estimate.