This paper deals with an investigation of differentcontrol strategies for a series hybrid electric vehicle (SHEV).Another discussed issue is the application of a free-pistongenerator. By replacing a conventional combustion enginewith a free-piston generator it is possible to increase the totalefficiency of the system. The object of investigation is a12-ton truck, mainly used in urban areas. The drive systemhas been built up and simulated in a MATLAB Simulinkenvironment. It follows from the investigation that theapplication of a free-piston engine in a SEHV can increasethe efficiency by 25 percent compared to the conventionalengine.