The underlying circuit control is a key problem of the hybrid energy-storage system (HESS) in electric vehicles (EV). In this paper, a composite non-linear control strategy (CNC) is proposed for the accurate tracking current/voltage of the fully-active HESS by combining the exact feedback linearization method and the sliding mode variable structure control technology. Firstly, by analyzing the circuit characteristics of HESS, the affine non-linear model of fully-active HESS is derived. Then, a rule-based energy management strategy (EMS) is designed to generate the reference current value. Finally, the HESS is linearized by the exact feedback linearization method, and the proposed CNC strategy is developed combined with sliding mode variable structure control technology to ensure fast response, high performance, and robustness. At the same time, the stability proof based on the Lyapunov method is given. Moreover, the performance of the CNC strategy is thoroughly investigated and compared with simulation studies with the traditional PI control and a modified sliding mode control, and its effectiveness under different driving conditions is fully verified.