Working Of The Continuously Variable Transmission System/ CVT

There are various kinds of transmission systems in the market that one could choose from. Manual transmissions were a huge hit for decades, but they are slowly being replaced with more automatic ones. That has been the case since manufacturers have been looking for ways to make driving easier for car owners. One such transmission type is the Continuously Variable Transmission or CVT that is being actively used by Toyota's hybrid vehicles.

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What is the continuously variable transmission?

In Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), there is an unending range of gears at disposal. The best thing about CVTs is that they seamlessly shift through these gears without any human intervention – the flexibility that they provide while maintaining constant angular speed is unparalleled.

Being able to provide infinite gear ratios to increase fuel economy is the main aim of CVT. Transmission electronics are used to change the gear ratios for the engine to be in optimum condition. CVTs work well at lower speeds as well. Experiments have been going on in order to make CVTs similar to automatic transmissions so that the droning noise can be reduced. Examples include Toyota's hybrid vehicles.

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How do CVTs work?

Most of the CVTs work through a pulley system. Each pulley has cones connected via chain belts. The belt diameter is changed by the cones' up and down movement that allows for rapid changing of gears. One pulley is attached to the engine while the other is connected to the wheels. The pulley width changes according to the speed, and thus, the gear changes occur at various speeds.

Advantages of CVTs

There are several advantages of CVTs, which is why manufacturers prefer this transmission method:

• The fuel efficiency of CVTs is unparalleled. The gears are always shifting to low RPMs that use up more fuel.
• The production cost is relatively lower since there are lesser moving parts than traditional gear systems.
• Since the transmission doesn't need to constantly change gears, the driver and passengers have a smooth journey inside the vehicle.

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Disadvantages of CVTs

Like any other transmission system in the market, there are several downfalls of using CVTs which include the following:

• As the CVT bands need to adjust to speed changes, there might be a certain delay when the driver steps on the accelerator pedal.
• When one is accustomed to manual pedals, it can be difficult for drivers to adjust to CVTs. Newer drivers might be a little uncomfortable with CVTs, but people get accustomed to repeating use.
• Even though initial costs are less, CVTs' repair costs are much more than traditional transmission systems. The parts are costly to repair or replace, and special training is required to repair them.