In order to simultaneously improve the fuel economy and overall performance of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), this study selected the P1 + P3 configuration as its research object. Through a configuration analysis of hybrid vehicles, it confirmed the feasibility of P1 + P3 configuration-PHEV operating modes. Based on this, a rule-based control strategy was developed, and simulation models for the entire vehicle and control strategy were constructed in both Cruise and MATLAB/Simulink software. The study conducted simulation analysis by combining three sets of Worldwide Harmonized Light vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC) driving cycles to assess the fuel-saving potential of the dual-motor P1 + P3 configuration. The simulation results showed that the vehicle model was reasonably constructed and the proposed control strategy had good control effects on the entire vehicle. Compared to conventional gasoline vehicles, the P1 + P3 configuration PHEV achieved a 67.4% fuel economy improvement, demonstrating a significant enhancement in fuel efficiency with the introduction of electric motors.