Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Encyclopedia / Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is a transmission in which the ratio of the rotational speeds of two shafts, as the input shaft and output shaft of a vehicle or other machine, can be varied continuously within a given range, providing an infinite number of possible ratios.
The continuously variable transmission should not be confused with the power split transmission (PST), as used in the Toyota Prius and other hybrid vehicles that use two or more inputs with one output, despite some similarities in their function.
A CVT need not be automatic, nor include zero or reverse output. Such features may be adapted to CVTs in certain specific applications.
Other mechanical transmissions only allow a few different discrete gear ratios to be selected, but the continuously variable transmission essentially has an infinite number of ratios available within a finite range, so it enables the relationship between the speed of a vehicle engine and the driven speed of the wheels to be selected within a continuous range. This can provide better fuel economy than other transmissions by enabling the engine to run at its most efficient speeds within a narrow range.
CVTs have been refined over the years and are much improved from their origins.
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