The Ultimate Guide to the EVT Transmission: Electrical Variable Transmission
An electrical variable transmission (EVT) is a smaller and lighter variation of the CVT transmission.
Like the CVT, it replaces several standard motor vehicle parts and combines their functionalities into a single compact device. These include the clutch, gearbox, generator, and starter motor. However, an EVT transmission allows a car’s engine to operate with higher fuel efficiency and is compatible with hybrid vehicles.
Electrical Variable Transmission Functionality
The EVT is a power-split transmission that transforms the mechanical power from the internal combustion engine into electrical power. This power is sent through two electrical ports. One electrical port sends power to the wheels, and the other electrical port sends power to be stored in the battery.
From the vehicle driver's perspective, the EVT functions as an automatic transmission as the acceleration and braking process is automated. However, internally the EVT is a different concept altogether and is a variation of the CVT transmission.
For more information on the functionality and engineering of the EVT, Dr Martin Hoeijmakers, a leading academic and consultant in the field, has numerous publications available regarding EVT transmissions.
Advantages of the Electrical Variable Transmission
The electrical variable transmission comes with many advantages for the driver, including:
- Greater fuel economy
- Improved seamless acceleration
- High-performance electrical components
- Provides inherent overload protection
- Full hybrid functionality
What is the Difference Between CVT and EVT Transmissions?
The CVT and EVT transmissions have a similar design concept. However, the CVT is intended for automatic vehicles, but the EVT can be used for hybrid vehicles
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
A continuously variable transmission, or CVT transmission, is an innovative transmission concept consisting of a variable-width pulley and belt system instead of gears. It therefore has an infinite amount of 'gear ratios'.
This transmission type is often used in automatic cars due to its fuel efficiency.
Electrical Variable Transmission (EVT)
An electrical variable transmission can be understood as a hybrid continuously variable transmission. It contains the same variable-width pulley and belt system instead of gears.
However, it contains two additional electrical ports which convert the internal combustion engine’s power into electricity. Then it sends the electric power to the wheels and stores the remaining power in the battery.
EVT Transmission Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Electric Variable Transmission?
An EVT, or electrical variable transmission, is an electromagnetic continuously variable transmission. It has multiple ports for mechanical connection to the engine and hybrid functionality.
Is an EVT Transmission A Hybrid Transmission?
Yes, the EVT transmission can be considered a hybrid transmission. The transmission converts the mechanical power from the engine into electricity. This electricity is split between powering the wheels and charging the battery. When the battery is sufficiently charged, the car can utilise the battery's energy instead of the internal combustion engine.
Contact the EVT Transmission Specialists!
Here at Automatic Transmissions R Us, we offer high-quality service provided only by extremely knowledgeable and well-trained professionals so that you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Contact the Auto Trans team today by sending through an enquiry form, emailing info@autotransrus.com.au or giving us a call on (08) 7079 4601! We’ll have you back in your car in no time.