A method for controlling a hybrid traction assembly includes an initial depleting phase which begins at the beginning of the vehicle mission and where the hybrid traction assembly is controlled to cause depletion of the storage device at a high first mean depletion rate, at least one sustaining phase where the hybrid traction assembly is controlled so that the state of charge is maintained in a predetermined sustaining range. The method further includes a second depleting phase which extends between the initial depleting phase and the sustaining phase, wherein the hybrid traction assembly is controlled to cause depletion of the storage device at a second mean depletion rate, the second mean depletion rate being lower than the first mean depletion rate.