An energy management system is provided for a hybrid electric vehicle including an electrical machine for vehicle traction drive and recuperative braking, an electrical storage system ESS for storing recuperated energy, and at least one additional vehicle electrical auxiliary device different from the electrical machine. An energy management controller is arranged to, upon establishing a potential for increased amount of recuperated energy during a predicted future downhill descent, direct electrical power from the ESS to the at least one additional electrical auxiliary device for the purpose of reducing the electrical charge level of the ESS, such that an increased amount of energy may be recuperated and stored in the ESS during the predicted future downhill descent.