Method for CVT and powertrain control in a kinetic hybrid that integrates two constituent control strategies at the same time, one for the kinetic energy exchange between a vehicle and a flywheel to recover the vehicle's kinetic energy and to cancel the effect of the vehicle's inertia on changes in speed, and one for operating the kinetic hybrid's prime mover on its ideal operation line to optimize efficiency. Two different rates of change in the CVT ratio are computed in real time and are superimposed to realize both strategies. Using the combined rate of change in the CVT ratio derived by the present invention to control the powertrain, the primary power source need not expend a significant portion of its power to overcome the vehicle's inertia, and performance is not compromised.