The shiftless nature of a CVT offers unparalleled flexibility that maintains constant angular velocity regardless of output speed. Additionally, a continuously variable transmission makes accelerating smooth and offers enhanced fuel economy.
Though the CVT only recently gained popularity, with new innovations offering greater efficiency, the design has existed for centuries — Leonardo DaVinci designed the first CVT in , though it wasn't officially patented until by Daimler and Benz. The first time the CVT gained notoriety was in when Zenit motorcycles built a CVT model that was so efficient it got banned from hill-climbing competitions. By the late s, the CVT entered the mainstream, thanks to Subaru. In the modern day , almost every manufacturer has at least one model with a continuously variable transmission.
While a traditional transmission uses a wide variety of intricate parts to shift between a range of preset gears, most CVT systems work through a pulley system. In short, this system consists of cones at each pulley connected via a chain belt. The cones can move to increase or decrease the belt diameter to change gear ratios, allow for quick shifting into the needed ratio for increased power, and boost fuel economy. One pulley in the CVT is connected to the engine and the other directs power to the wheels.
The width of these pulleys changes based on the needed power; as one gets larger, the other gets smaller. There is a second, less common, type of CVT that uses a series of discs and rollers, but it operates on similar principles. Though there are no gears in a CVT, some simulate a more traditional changing of gears. In these transmissions, the belt-and-pulley system is designed to move to preset points by using a traditional shift lever or paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
If CVT transmissions have existed for so long, why are they only popular now? Manufacturers are now realizing they tend to work well for their primary customer base. A CVT gets as much power as possible out of a smaller engine. This makes acceleration quicker and more responsive, so the average driver enjoys a better experience.
While the CVT certainly has much to offer, it does have some drawbacks compared to a traditional transmission according to Samarins. Technology has progressed so that today the CVT gearbox is a better option than it used to be, both in terms of driving enjoyment and efficiency.
Nissan has developed a CVT gearbox called Xtronic which features 'steps' in its power delivery to make it feel more like a conventional gearbox by 'shifting' through the gears. This has a split power delivery so that the car's engine is either driving the wheels or sending power to the battery. A CVT gearbox doesn't have many moving parts, so it's relatively reliable.
It's also mainly used in low-power applications, so cars running a CVT are usually fairly unstressed. As long as the right fluids are used to lubricate the gearbox, and you stick to a regular maintenance schedule, then a CVT box should be no less reliable than a conventional auto or manual. The only real issue you might have is that the drive belt between the two pulleys can wear out.
This can lead to slip, which will be obvious as the engine revs, but the car will fail to accelerate as quickly as normal. Skip to Content Skip to Footer. How does a CVT gearbox work? Car Tech. CVTs use up much less area and also weigh much less than their typical equivalents.
CVTs have a much less complex design which means they are easier, quicker to assemble, and cost less money to manufacture. Smooth Performance: Given that they are not bound by a stationary setup, a CVT has the capability to adjust to your driving needs as well as the road conditions. The throttle response will seem somewhat postponed than normal transmissions.
CVTs are likewise fairly new in the automotive world and the amount of accredited CVT professionals is less than transmission technicians.
The lack of accredited CVT specialists can bring about independent stores to bill a higher rate. Search Vehicles. Contact Us. Mike Smith Honda
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