Continuously variable transmission with pushbelt for electric vehicles

Downsized electric motor and battery

Due to the reduced torque and speed requirements of the electric motor, the CVT4EV enables manufacturers to reduce the size and the active parts of the electric machine, thus also reducing costs. Such downsized electric machines combined with a continuously variable transmission can deliver the same performance but with higher efficiency compared to current high revolution electric motors. This allows manufacturers to use smaller batteries and further optimize the balance between battery capacity and driving range. The thermal management system can also be downsized as the cooling capacity required for the electric system is reduced. The smaller battery size also reduces the amount of CO₂ required for production, which decreases the break-even mileage where the electric vehicle starts to represent a smaller environmental footprint than an internal combustion engine-based vehicle.

In order to further improve the efficiency of electric powertrains, there is a great opportunity to use a smaller CVT system, when compared to CVTs for internal combustion engines, in which the conventional hydraulic actuation is replaced by a dedicated electro-hydraulic system. Additionally, the combination of a downsized electric motor and smaller CVT system presents a solution with a reduced environmental impact. Expenses for the CVT can be compensated within the entire powertrain by the lower cost of the battery, electric motor, and thermal management systems.