Mathematical modes of engine,cooperation of motor and batteries,automatic clutch and vehicle are built with analysis of configuration of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Specifications of data input and output and signal characters are defined. Hardware in the loop (HIL) system based on MATLAB/xPC for PHEV is built up. The motor/engine drive shift control logic test of PHEV is carried with inputting real acceleration pedal data. Testing results show that automatic clutch acts abnormally. Bugs in control logic are found out. Road test results with revised control logic are very good.