Are There Any Good CVT's? | Different CVT Transmissions Explained

Are There Any Good CVT's? | Different CVT Transmissions Explained
[CVT, D-CVT, Direct-shift CVT, e-CVT, and Toroidal CVT]
"Continuously variable transmission" stands as one of the most divisive terms in the world of automobiles. Often abbreviated as "CVT," it's synonymous with a lack of driving excitement, drawing disdain from both die-hard manual enthusiasts and casual drivers alike.
CVTs were initially associated with low-cost, low-power compact cars due to their focus on fuel efficiency rather than performance. However, in recent years, advancements in CVT technology have enabled their integration into a broader range of vehicles, including high-performance full-size sedans and SUVs.
Most CVTs only have three basic components: A high-power metal or rubber belt, A variable-input "driving" pulley, and An output "driven" pulley.
CVTs also have various microprocessors and sensors, but the three components are the key elements that enable the technology to work.
Variable-diameter pulleys are the key components of a CVT. Each pulley consists of two cones facing each other. A belt rides in the groove between the two cones of each pulley. This belt serves to transmit power between the input and output shafts of the transmission. The input pulley turns the belt, and the belt turns the output pulley.
In this video, we are taking a look at, these different types of CVT transmission used in automotive industries. (CVT, Direct-shift, E-CVT, Toroidal)
--- Time Stamp --
00:00 - Introduction
01:38 - CVT Transmission
04:22 - Working of CVT
07:01 - History of CVT
10:13 - D-CVT
11:27 - Direct-shift CVT
13:19 - e-CVT
14:18 - Toroidal CVT
16:04 - Outro
#transmission #cvt
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Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only. We are not in the auto repair business nor publish automotive service manuals. This video is not reviewed or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer. This video is intended only as general guidance. Every system is slightly different, so refer to the owner’s manual of your vehicle for any specific information about your model. Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure your car's safe and reliable operation.
Copyright Disclaimer: Copyright Disclaimer Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
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[@waynemansfield1527]

In my 50 years of driving both automatic and manual cars, replacing them with new cars on average every 5 years, I never had a transmission fail, until I purchased a cvt.

[@batsonelectronics]

must be you. My recently bought 2015 Honda Fit with 120K miles runs great with the cvt. Had the fluid replaced to check for metal material, and there was none. Unless you bought a Nissan, and they have been crap for many years. Most other makers have not had those problems.

[@mrgarrison3516]

He must have had a Nissan/Jatco CVT transmission 😬 My CVT fluid was just changed at 95k miles in my 2017 Subaru Crosstrek and the dealership service manager said 'we think u just wasted your money, your fluid was clean & no metal particles were noticed' (under their special viewing light).

[@pliedtka]

Better to be safe than sorry. The early Versa and Subaru was a disaster 100-150k km if you're lucky. I think Toyota/Siding are the most reliable ones.

[@TotalRookie_LV]

I had a manual fail - stuck in the 1st gear. But that was on a 27 years old "Golf" with a GTI engine. Looks like a common issue, since I found out those gearboxes are nowhere to be found for past 10 years and are in high demand. So... had to replace it with a regular gearbox (plus regular, not GTI, axles and flywheel).

[@m3rdpwr]

​@@pliedtkaI heard the earlier Subaru CVTs did have some issues. The solenoid pack also was one of those things that had to be replaced at 100,000 mi. Toyotas CVT seems to be the best on the market at this time, I don't know about Honda, but Subaru is not too far behind Toyota. Nissan CVTs are horrible.

[@kiefershanks4172]

eCVTs are fantastic. And this is coming from someone who drives a manual. Not a fan of other types of CVTs but eCVTs are actually good for their intended purpose. Robust, simple and very efficient. Not to mention they feel direct and responsive thanks to the electric motor torque and not having a torque converter. They may be a bit of a driving "appliance" but they are damn good at doing just that.

[@chiefdenis]

I agree totally and I'm also a manual head, they are the only cvts I've driven that feel good, might have to do with the fact that they are not really cvts

[@gettingthemgot]

Agreed. CVTs do have their place in the automotive world as an efficient, simple way to transfer power through ratios, and there's nothing wrong with that. It just feels wrong when companies like Subaru put a CVT in a car supposed to be sporty like the WRX and try to market it as such, when it is very much not that

[@kenhoward3512]

@@gettingthemgot Yes, Subaru seems permanently committed to the CVT to compensate for their "flat-four" engines' inherently, relatively-poor fuel economy.

[@PoulStaugaard]

At 52 mpg, there is no arguing against my 2008 Prius. Some find it to rev excessibly when accellerating, but they could not have done better with a manual. It’s just a matter of perception. The Engine was designed for efficiency, not for low end torque.

[@k4piii]

Yup, I got a prius c and it's surprisingly nice but it's very different from traditional cvt since it doesn't have parts that wear out as the belt

[@greeneyesms]

I had to call my local Nissan dealer’s parts dept on a business issue and learned they had 6 CVTs in stock, waiting to be put in. That says it all…

[@TonytheGr8]

Nissan CVTs are garbage. They are the worst. Toyota and Honda CVTs are 10 times more reliable and long lasting.

[@Usersf134ssk]

It is a nissan, they have the reputation with their cvts

[@dpasek1]

That's all you need to know about Nissan and their transmissions.

[@kenhoward3512]

And broken CVTs are always replaced with rebuilt units, not new.

[@amdstrollo3074]

The knowledge of Nissan having a range of years with bad CVTs is very common. That is that particular brand.

[@vincentkosik403]

Just change fluid regularly, clean the pan and filters and don't drive like a racer...you'll be fine The CVT fluid not only lubes but cools and cleans its important

[@geoffh784]

Some manufacturers claim lifetime, no fluid change needed for their CVT… not a good idea IMHO.

[@mrgarrison3516]

A mechanical engineer said to me CVT fluid is high friction fluid & excessive heat (from alot of towing & driving hard all the time) will break down the fluid, requiring fluid changes. ....but in normal driving the CVT fluid last much longer (even upto 200k miles). Compared to automatic transmission fluid in a normal automatic which uses a low friction fluid, will degrade much faster (hence the 30-60k mile fluid replacement intervals) from the lubrication of all the gear cogs/sprockets all of the time.

[@TotalRookie_LV]

@@geoffh784 Because they got a different definition of "lifetime" than customers do, it could be as short as "when the warranty is over", while a customer approaches it more like "as long as the whole body of a car doesn't fall apart due to corrosion'.

[@jimfarmer7811]

​​@@mrgarrison3516I've purchased a dozen new cars in the last 30 years and never changed the transmission fluid. I've never had a transmission failure and I put over 200,000 miles on several of my cars. I've worked with hydraulic systems my whole life and found the typical failure was caused by contaminants. Every time you crack a seal you introduce contaminants.

[@vincentkosik403]

@@mrgarrison3516 maybe so, but I do it myself, so cheap and easy like an oil drain..why take the chance?

[@hebijirik]

I only have experience with the e-cvt in a Toyota Yaris. I like it. Obviously it will not make happy someone who drives because they like driving. But if your car is purely a tool of transportation this system is pretty good. Your accelerator pedal has nothing to do directly with the engine. You use it to tell the car how much power you want. The car then decides how much rpm is best to give you what you asked for and until the engine reaches that output the car will do its best to use the electric motor/generators to supplement it. Some people don't like it when the engine is keeping constant rpm while the car is accelerating. But as an engineer I like it. It just makes sense to have the engine rpm proportional to the power output and not tied to wheel speed. When I hear the engine in that car I am hearing how much power I am asking it to make and it is proportional to all the things like slope of the hill, speed, current acceleration etc. It just makes sense to me that the engine sound changes the way it does rather than linearly with just speed.

[@alan6832]

Electronic controllers have been unreliable in some years as have some Prius engines, especially the 1.8, which can hydro-lock and then be destroyed by the powerful starter, but the ECVT itself has been shown to be able to tow more than the frame, and stand up to urban taxi service, unlike most belt type CVTs especially Nissan's.

[@kenhoward3512]

I don't believe the Toyota Yaris has ever been built as a hybrid, which is the only application of the e-CVT. Your Yaris has a standard CVT. Yes, I know how it works - and I simply don't like it.

[@tjroelsma]

You can destroy them easily though: Yamaha T-Max riders have been known to "pre-load" the CVT by keeping the brakes applied while opening the throttle. The automatic clutch, which normally ensures smooth acceleration of the line, slips and locks up, causing the CVT to slip and then launch when the brakes are released. This practice is bl**dy murder on both the clutch pack and the CVT belt, but supposedly it gives the rider that little bit of faster response. I wouldn't be surprised at all if people who want to drive their CVT equipped car "sporty", use the same trick and therefore destroy their CVT's in mere thousands of km's/miles instead of hundred or even two hundred thousand km's/miles.

[@ceasartan6041]

For all the nay sayers here in the comments. I hope you have driven one. Our Subaru has one, it’s probably the smoothest and most relaxing car I have driven, mostly due to the CVT. Torque at low revs and smooth transitions to higher-revs is almost electric like. I’m aware of the problems and failures that they have but i have had failures in all the automatic transmissions i have ever owned. They arent meant to beat on and neither are most planetary geared automatics. They take a little to use to. They award smooth inputs of the throttle. Im a fan and it makes our commute so much better. This is coming from a die-hard manual driver by the way.

[@brandonbrandon749]

Exactly no annoying gear changes, especially up and down hills it’s a much better and quieter ride

[@dancapell6643]

You may have experienced this, but the downside of the manual gear shift transmission, is when in bumper to bumper traffic.

[@dundonrl]

​@brandonbrandon749 If it's setup properly, an automatic equipped vehicle you won't notice a gear shift except the tachometer will move quickly as the engine revs up or down.

[@rlan3677]

They require fluid changes every 40 to 60k, they are slow to accelerate and fast to break if you drive your car hard.

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Yeah and the 10L90 is smooth as heck and isnt a cvt, so cut the bullshit

[@AmandaPandaPowell]

eCVT is really reliable. A electric motor controls the speed instead of a belt. That is the only cvt I would buy. Normal cvt are not nearly as durable as a manual or automatic transmission. They are also not serviceable. Any issues and you have to replace it.

[@Johnsmith-zi9pu]

ecvt has a battery and that's a ticking time bomb that will determine the life of your car.

[@theholt2ic219]

Yeah Ecvts are pretty much bulletproof especially Toyota ones. Know someone with a 08 Prius and never done a transmission fluid change with over 350k

[@pliedtka]

We replace the cells inside older Toyota hybrids and they are very reliable. My friend from the shop has Camry and Prius, both with 200k miles on the clock. For fun nothing beats manual gearbox and tuned engine, say 160hp+ TDI with massive torque

[@katzicael]

@@Johnsmith-zi9pu there is PLENTY of prius and other toyota hybrids who's battery have lasted more than a decade and hundreds of thousands of miles before needing service/replacement.

[@rowerwet]

The traction battery in a hybrid is heavily protected to give it extremely long life. In use the battery is only charged to 80%, and only discharged to 20% at either extreme. It is discharged and charged at a controlled rate, so that it is not stressed by heat. The prius design has proven the hybrid battery will last just about as long as the vehicle itself, and if it requires replacement, it will cost two thousand to 5 thousand dollars depending on if the replacement is an overhauled battery or brand new. An engine replacement typically costs more

[@rowerwet]

I drive a hybrid maverick with the eCVT, it's awesome! Super smooth, good acceleration, incredible MPG. I really like that it's the proven design from the Prius that Toyota perfected

[@user-ew3bz1ri6i]

as someone who drives both manual and automatic, i can say that cvt is very convenient in heavy traffic and in climbing. and they are now very reliable.

[@1tarras]

The e-CVT is the better option:it uses the two electric motors for driving Hybrid (HOnda and Toyota)

[@theairaccumulator7144]

@@1tarras because its not even a cvt. Its closer to diesel electric trains than a regular transmission.

[@age4638]

I have a 2020 toyota with e-cvt, amazing technology and great to live with.

[@tancar2004]

Brilliant design. There's no valve's, solenoid's, or electronics. With just the planetary gears It's mechanically simpler than a stick shift. There's nothing in there to go wrong.

[@fidelcatsro6948]

my manual transmission says its going to last forever!

[@makemineapint]

@@fidelcatsro6948 unlikely, too many small slow moving parts interacting with bigger fast moving parts at a 90% angle.

[@gregsims5156]

The problem is the belt or chain. They will wear out and fail causing major failure, long before a maintained automatic transmission would fail and there will only be the replacement of the transmission at a high price!

[@quickcinema8031]

I recommend an easier replacement for cvt belt that can be opened from the car floor and an opening the cranckase of the transmission. Motorcycle cvt is very easy to replace. i hope car can be like that too.

[@Oyashiro_Chama]

Ignoring pure hybrid technology.

[@davidpowell3347]

Also the control and actuator systems. Are they organized into modules that can be diagnosed and easily replaced in real world repair facilities? Also what kind of free wheeling/declutching system is used during stopping (functioning neutral such that engine can continue to run with vehicle stopped) I understand that some of these allow the "belt" to loosen and slip for this function and that is not satisfactory because of the inevitable rapid degradation of the belt. Some sort of dedicated clutch system must be provided (unless the vehicle has hybrid/electric propulsion capability in which case the gasoline engine can be stopped but that still requires that the drivetrain to disconnect the gasoline engine propulsion during a stop)

[@denniss1211]

Simply not true!

[@aspecreviews]

eCVTs don't have belts.

[@world_still_spins]

A few things that should be better noted are that: (Most of) the cvt's with metal belts push the belt around the pulleys typically. Vs. (most of) the cvt's with rubber belts pull the belt around the pulleys typically. (There are possible exceptions, and new manufacturing designs are made almost every year, but that may be helpful info to some.)

[@aurynaichi7030]

No, actually, push belt is only a term for the belt's orientation due to the tooth construction. While it seems to "push" it grips the pulley and it pulls the driven pully down via pressure/grip, and the same applies to the driving pully in that it too is gripped. The belt is so tight that it looks like push, but it isn't.

[@mark_r49]

Which is better and which have better longevity?

[@michaelmartin2276]

Excellent explanation of CVT's. Thank you.

[@jamesgeorge4874]

Scooters, snowmobiles and SXS / ATV's are well suited for CVT use. Ford, GM, and VW/Audi learned their lesson in the early 2000's Nissan and Subaru (and some Honda models) want to die on the CVT hill.

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Yeah the 10L90 is awesome

[@MrSamPhoenix]

We have a CVT in our 2014 Honda Accord with the 2.4L engine. It’s been super smooth and reliable since the day we bought the car. One thing I enjoy is how it keeps the engine quiet 99% of the time. Some auto makers just don’t know to build reliable parts.

[@truckercowboyed2638]

Correction majority of Honda models are CVT now.....the civic, the accord the HRV AND CRV, YOU HAVE GO TO THE PASSPORT OR EXPENSIVE PILOT TO GET A TRADITIONAL AUTO...

[@the_kombinator]

Even in a 51 HP 3 cyl Daewoo engine, the CVT will break after 60k. Kilometers. Not even miles.

[@mclovin6629]

From what I'm hearing and noticing, The CVTs on the Hondas and Toyotas are good, The only thing that was fvcking up Honda were those 1.5 turbo engines but now they moving on to hybrids and even the civic is becoming a hybrid, No more 1.5, 2.0 liter engines and manuals.

[@MrSamPhoenix]

We have a CVT in our 2014 Honda Accord with the 2.4L engine. It’s been super smooth and reliable since the day we bought the car. One thing I enjoy is how it keeps the engine quiet 99% of the time.

[@seekingelite]

Having a manual transmission really makes you connect with the car and be more engaged in the driving experience. I am grateful to have learned. CVTs have a numb feeling but the technology is pretty cool.

[@vincentkosik403]

How many cars makers offer manual transmissions now? How many buyers ask for them? Not many..Nissan Versa...hah, And that's being discontinued

[@666DomSathanas666]

You connect with te car... I preffer to let my eCVT car drive alone when I'm in a traffic jam and never bother to schift gears. I've driven a manual car for over 18 years.

[@FranciscoHernandez-dq7rf]

It all depends on your needs yeah traffic jams and manual yeah no but more fun to drive I have both one for race and just have fun the other for commute

[@phillipzx3754]

"Having a manual transmission really makes you connect with the car and be more engaged in the driving experience." Ya. Especially in stop-and-go 5 mph traffic. 🤣

[@Dougie1969]

"The technology is pretty cool " ??? Bahahahahahahaha These systems have been used on snowmobiles and ATVs since 1962. Now all the sudden some clown engineers slap one on a car, and it's "new technology" WOW

[@Jagshemasher]

What I want to see are statistics on transmission life - how many make it 10, 15, 20 years or 200,000, 300,000, 500,000 miles and if they failed early what were the reasons (crappy quality or poor maintenance). There are no end of people saying CVT's are great who's cars are fairly new but this to me is about as useless as winning a JD Power award for "initial quality". I don't care how nice it looks when you take delivery - I want to know if it is still running well 10 years later with 300,000 miles on the clock. A key issue with these transmissions when they go wrong is they seem to be throwaway items - fixing takes a whole new transmission - you can't simply replace a valve body or a clutch pack. As a mechanical engineer, the idea of a metal belt sliding or relying on the friction between itself and two conical metal pulleys seems like a recipe for rapid wearing of parts. That may be planned and is probably why the transmission fluid should be changed quite frequently but to me I'd rather have a conventional automatic or a stick shift. I may get slightly worse fuel consumption but at least I won't have an untimely breakdown requiring a $5000 transmission replacement.

[@user-yg4zv3pn7x]

I have a friend who wholesales cars for a living-about 3,000 a year. Many of them have problems. Resolving those problems is partly how he makes his living. He has owned hundreds of cars with ECVTs, mostly Toyota's and a few Fords. A few weeks ago I asked him if he knew how the Toyota Hybrid Synergy system worked, particularly the transmission. He had no idea. He never had an issue with one. For those who do not know, a Toyota Hybrid EVCT uses a planetary gear set to produce different gear ratios, simply by controlling the difference in speed between the traction motor (MG2) and another motor (MG1) that serves as a high voltage generator and starter for the internal combustion engine. This device is arguably the most elegant drivetrain component to ever be implemented in an automobile. This transmission has no need of clutches, valve bodies, or a torque converter etc. because it never actually shifts. Although the device itself is very simple with very few moving parts, the way it distributes and blends torque is actually quite complicated. Toyota is now in a position to totally dominate the automobile industry for decades to come.

[@Robert--cm2nf]

A good friend of mine bought a Suzuki Scross with the belt and it went Kaput with only 80.000 km the good thing was the Suzuki importer in the Netherlands took over the guaranty and gave a new automatic for zero cost, so thatch the good thing but he sold the car shortly after and bought an Suzuki Scross with an conventional automatic gear box much to his satisfaction

[@pliedtka]

Just like earlier Nissan Versa... ;)

[@thfmlymn4498]

I had a 1999 Nissan Gloria with the extroid CVT, it was the smoothest and nicest transmission i have ever driven. Being 3.0L V6 turbo rwd, it was a very nice car.

[@Hemond1]

My Suzuki Kizashi has the infamous Jatco CVT. It is still in daily service and works flawlessly. Fluid is clear, clean, looks new, and never been changed. Well over 100,000 miles now. The smoothest transmission I've ever used. Wish my current Genesis G80 shifted as smooth as the CVT in the Kizashi.

[@monteiro5306]

Amazing vídeo. Awesome job. Greetings from Brazil.

[@andrewoh1663]

As a teenager I once drive a DAF variomatic. It was very easy to drive and the belts lasted as long as the tyres and could changed at the same time. The engine was actually a BMW motorcycle engine made under licence - a flat twin 600cc.

[@derekcockburn820]

I owned a Subaru XV with the pulley type CVT. I sold the car after one year due to the hesitation of the gearbox while overtaking on the motorway. I swore I'd never buy another car with a CVT gearbox. That was until I researched the Toyota eCVT. After watching the professor on the Weber channel explain the eCVT which uses gearing rather than pulleys, I purchased a RAV4 with an eCVT box to achieve the variability I love it!!

[@rolandlickert2904]

A I'm 75 years old and had 26 cars during my Life I have had all types of transmissions and now CVT which is pleasing, particularly in traffic jams for 3 years so far no problems.

[@michaelw6277]

I like my Toyota CVT. It’s better than any other subcompact economy car transmission I’ve used.

[@Turnipstalk]

Until we went electric the AISIN cvt was actually the best we had had, in both our Toyotas.

[@rogervondach1238]

Great video and great explanation how those CVT'S work. However, I would never buy a car that has this kind of transmission.

[@rasklaat2]

Me neither, just as I would never buy a car that has a tablet instead of knobs and buttons on the dash. Unfortunately, that's what they want us to buy these days...

[@waynejackson169]

​@rasklaat2 That's where the world is going. We have to get use to it or do without it. I don't like the idea but that's just the way it is. It hurt my heart these days when I have to do a more detailed search just to get a manual transmission.

[@denniss1211]

Well ... in a few years you may not own a car. Sorry!

[@BrianMcdowell-vz1it]

Same here,I would never buy cars with CVT transmission

[@okindamichael9526]

@@waynejackson169 CVT 's drool and whine alot along the road. i hate them. we have an isuzu dmax fitted with a cvt gear....oh nooo....it a horrible drive

[@ElAnciano92071]

For efficiency and durability, I will take an e-CVT hands down. I have driven them since 2007, lastly, a 2017 Prius Prime. Not mentioned is the Waterburry speed gear. A hydraulic variable transmission used to control the bow and stearn planes and the rudder of some (all?) WWII subs. It had pistons on a ti;lted swash plate. The tilt of the swash plate contolled the effectve "gear ratio" (stroke on the pistons). Normally this controlled powered hydraulics, but had a mode the actually proveded the power to move the planes if the powered pumps failed.

[@truckercowboyed2638]

This is for cars not planes or boats.....

[@pliedtka]

You don't 10-15yr Subaru or Versa with CVT - ticking bomb on 4wheels

[@asophxs]

I have a CVT and i don't like CVTs, but I absolutely enjoy driving my Corolla with the direct shift CVT. The move to include a direct drive gear for launch and getting up to speed is ingenious and really protects the belt from wear and tear. I get great gas milage and still be able to get up to a decent speed when I need to. I wouldn't buy a regular CVT, but if it's a toyota and its direct shit or eCVT I'd have no complaints

[@bavelnaard]

I had multiple DAFs some years ago, a 55 pseudo-Marathon, a diarhoea colored 46 SL, a totally rotten 66 SL and two Volvo 66s. Brilliant cars they are, strangely comfortable and so easy to maintain and tune, if you're into that. Back in 2008 they were not that expensive to buy, ranging from €300 to around a thousand. They all proved to be pretty reliable too, I used them as a daily and not very mildly, I have to admit. I remember having to change balljoints on my orange Volvo 66 and I could not get original ones but then someone told me balljoints for a 340 should fit as well. Well, they did fit alright, wit an added bonus of now having big negative camber on the front wheels, brilliant! That car taught me how to go round the roundabout properly. Sideways all the way, yeah, haha. I loved that car so much

[@tedf1471]

I had a 'Volvo' 66, it's party trick was climbing hills covered in packed snow, the noise from the transmissions to the two rear wheels was hypnotic!

[@clwomble]

2017 Honda CVT AWD. Zero problems for 180K miles. Gave it away and she is still driving it, 210K now.

[@randyriegel8553]

I didn't own an automatic trans until about 15 years ago. Manual just feels like you have more control over your car. I started buying trucks. You can hardly find any ford truck with a manual anymore. Still have "Manual Mode" where you press button up or down to shift gears... not the same. I've still had some "fun" cars besides my truck that had real manual and I love driving them. I have a quad that has CVT (utility quad) and every year I have to change the belt on it. Have a manual sport quad with regular change to the back axle. Hardly have any trouble with it... just normal things like brakes and oil. I'll go manual any day :)

[@dnbkb]

Interesting and simple! Thanks!

[@jimbeaver3443]

I have a Sears riding lawnmower that has a CVT with a rubber belt. After 45 years of use it still works. (Sorry, couldn't help myself. )

[@arafathossain1603]

Basically I am using a CVT transmission car for a while. It's very fun to drive. It's a JDM car called Toyota Allion. It uses direct shift CVT. I have 1st gear after reaching 20kmph it switches to CVT. You won't believe japanese are using this kind of CVT from 2007

[@pliedtka]

Americans are too conservative and while there are so many Honda and Toyota models in Asia and Europe, only fraction of them reaches North America and with yrs of delay

[@Douglasddr8]

I have a 2015 Nissan Sentra with the same strategy, after 30km/h it switches to the CVT and runs at an incredibly low rev. 1100 RPM 90% of the time

[@arafathossain1603]

@@pliedtka yes that's true.

[@arafathossain1603]

@@Douglasddr8 CVTs are really fun to drive. Yes it has an elastic effect yet if you want to save fuel you will face some drawbacks.

[@ElAnciano92071]

The advantage of any CVT is that the engine is always at the optimal RPM for what you are asking of it, acceleration or economy. If you have seen HP or torque curves you shift after the peak and the new gear is below the peak. That is why there are now 6 speed manual as CVTs and 10 speed automatics... less time off peak. Note: I learned in '59 on '49 Merc with a 4 on the tree with OD. Thereafter Ifavored manuals untilk I bought a sailboat in 72, and got an auto for towing. the 2nd fastest Toyota has an eCVT. (RAV4 Prime)

[@frequentlycynical642]

The only "four on the tree" I've ever seen was on English imports. American cars, three on the tree. See? It rhymes. Your Mercury OD was activated by an on/off switch but wouldn't kick in until you backed off of the gas for a second.

[@billdagoe7371]

Great video. I may be wrong but it looks like the toroidal graphs are backwards and show low gear when it's actually high gear. In indicated low gear the rollers are about the same diameter as the outer part of the DRIVING DISC so about 1:1 ratio. The DRIVEN DISC at its inner diameter is maybe 1/4 the diameter of the outer part. Therefor, when the driven disc and roller are both rotating 1 RPM the smaller driven disc would rotate maybe 4RPM indicating a high gear. Am I missing something?? Either that or I'm getting senile.

[@TheSleepychicken]

I have a Ford PHEV. This uses the Toyota eCVT under license. It's very quiet, very quick and extremely smooth. I came from an 8 speed auto. The CVT is smoother. I like it very much. It also seamlessly brings in and stops the petrol motor as required.

[@jacquesw3086]

eCVT is soooo much different compared to the other CVTs out there that it's mind-boggling Toyota even calls it an eCVT due to stigma of a CVT! It doesn't have a belt or a clutch, so essentially nothing can break - brilliant engineering and should be more widespread.

[@kurtmundt2736]

I traded up to a CVT from a manual. I've owned automatics and manual cars and the CVT is the best of the bunch. It is always in "the right gear". 15 years and 195000 miles with one filters/fluid change and no problems. (2009 Dodge Caliber) I love my CVT.

[@wildbillfold]

My 2014 Nissan Maxima has155,00 miles on it. Twice I've experienced hesitation and slippage from the CVT. The first time , the fluid was low. I couldn't find any visible leak. I serviced the CVT and it drove normally. The second time I was driving during a big rain storm. I checked the fluid level and it was good. After letting the car sit for a day, the CVT was back to normal. I'm a big proponent on changing the CVT fluid every 30 to 35 thousand miles. It's a good idea to also change the external filter at leas one time.

[@omnimoeish]

My 2023 Lexus RX hybrid has an eCVT and it's buttery smooth (especially combined with brake by wire and steer by wire). It combines the instant torque of the electric motor with the gas engine and revs to your desired output. It gets 35 mpg in a family sized mid size SUV. While its no race car, it's fast enough and going back to my other car with a regular automatic transmission - feeling and hearing it shift all the time feels like you're driving old technology especially when it's cold at lower speeds.

[@TiagoTiagoT]

Based on my experience in a simulator; with the right auto-shift algorithms, CVTs are a pleasure to drive; perfect power application at any condition, making transmissions between different terrains, inclines etc seamless, and no periodically changes in acceleration as you speed up or slow down. Can be a bit annoying if the algorithm isn't properly tuned though. Manually controlled CVTs can also be fun; more in quirky way, like a game kinda thing, an additional analog input you need to manage to reach perfect results if you got the skills for it. But really, IMO, the ideal use would actually be an eCVT that just has the ICE running at the least polluting RPM constantly, and the electric motor and generator take care of putting power to the road or saving in the battery for later for the periods where just shutting down the ICE and saving the energy in fuel form isn't the best option. The auditory and haptic experience of the constant drone of the fixed RPM ICE would not be an issue with adequate design; there's a whole class of professionals specialized in tweaking car designs to get sounds and vibrations to meet arbitrary targets regardless of what it sounds like at the source.

[@autofixation]

I had a 2014 Outback that I drove very very aggressively to 158k miles and never changed the fluid. Only got rid of it due to rust. Sure it was slow, but I would regularly run it at redline to climb mountains here in the northeast, even fully loaded with luggage and a cargo topper, it never gave me trouble.

[@latupeni9797]

I end up subscribing because of the cvt transmission information love it

[@oengusfearghas9608]

I can't say all CVT transmission designs are bad, but there is good reason why they tend to have an iffy reputation for reliability (especially in higher power/weight applications). While versions of CVTs have been used for a long time in low power/weight applications such as gokarts, snowmobiles, etc... They seem to struggle significantly with more demanding applications. In addition to that I am unaware of any shops that repair them when they do have issues. Unlike more traditional autos and manuals if/when a CVT does fail it seems like a new replacement is effectively the only option the vast majority of the time.

[@ronaldderooij1774]

I love the CVT in my car. Just go with the flow and try not to rev above 2000 is also a very engageing way to drive. Added bonus, fuel efficient and seamless "gear" shifts.

[@knot3d_]

I used to drive sporty manual in Europe (Seat Leon, the Spanish "Golf GTI) Migrated to Asia since Dec. 2018 and got a Honda Jazz/Fit. No other trim choice than CVT. So far no issues (40K kilometers) and I like it better than the jerky AT in the Hyundai Accent I got to loan for a month. Sure, the Jazz is no real hot hatch, but it's sufficiently brisk in a country with a 60 MPH/100 KPH speedlimit. It helps that the Jazz only weighs 1085 kilograms.

[@bhhaskarnandi2438]

Beautiful Explanation 👍👍

[@dannybryant6873]

Toyota hybrids are basically electric cars with gasoline assist. The main traction motor is direct drive to the drive axle same as most electric cars. Reverse is always electric. They just reverse the electric motor. The ring gear of the planetary gearset is connected to the main traction motor also. This is how the gasoline engine delivers assistance, up through the planetary gearset. When the gasoline engine is not turning but the car is moving the smaller motor is turning the sun gear such that the planet carrier (gasoline engine) is not turning (but the planets are spinning in place). When the gasoline engine is needed the smaller motor changes speed to spin up the gasoline engine and fuel and spark are applied around 1600 rpm. The gasoline engine never idles (a higher emissions mode). Out at highway speeds above 45 mph it could be argued that the vehicle is a gasoline vehicle with electric assist. The 2 electric motors do what it takes to make the gasoline engine do almost all of the work at the most efficient engine rpm. The speed of the sun gear motor sets the rpm of the gasoline engine. These transmissions are just planetary gearsets. Way more reliable than belt style (which uses friction).

[@JohnRaithby-zh8pt]

I have a dacia cvt moddel, and after some time getting used to it i like it very much,and would not go back to a manual. It takes some time to run it in, as with a new engine, so test drive 1 with over 1500 miles on it to get a real feel of the drive.

[@fidelcatsro6948]

Wow so many breeds of different CVT's, im sticking to my manual transmission! except for that Toroidal CVT innovation that i find ingenious!

[@romannasuti25]

The Toyota E-CVT is nifty too. It’s actually quite a bit more efficient at transmitting power than an automatic and is reliable to boot (it’s basically just a single huge planetary gear with electric motors).

[@Meower68]

WRT the Toyota eCVT, there is a gasoline engine and an electric motor-generator (EMG) connected to the two inputs of the planetary gearbox, and there's a second EMG connected after the planetary gearbox and before the differential. You can run the engine at high RPM, with the first EMG functioning as a generator, turning some of that power into electricity, which is fed to the second EMG. That allows you to run higher RPMs, delivering more power, at lower speeds. You can shut the engine off, using the first and second EMG to provide all the motive power. You can turn both EMGs into generators, providing dynamic braking. Or you can have the engine and both EMGs producing mechanical power (drawing from the battery) for max power at higher speeds. For reverse, you can turn either of the EMGs in reverse; no "reverse gear" needed at all. I have a Toyota Camry Hybrid. I can confirm that the only time the engine runs when I'm in reverse is when the battery is really low. Really clever stuff but the computer coordinating it all really needs to have its s**t straight. If it decides to start the engine while you're decelerating, the dynamic braking fades unpredictably. Have narrowly avoided a couple accidents by romping on the brakes, hard, such that the friction brakes got it done.

[@jamescanfield7251]

I actually found that Chevy moving from the 6 speed auto to the CVT in the Malibu with the base engine improved the driving experience.

[@floridian1087]

My daily for city driving is a CVT. Highest speed limit is 35mph here. The CVT likes to keep the rpm around 1250 which is great on gas. For cruising, I have my car with gears.

[@TotalRookie_LV]

I got 1st generation AUDI CVT, which means it has issues, which were solved in later generations. So far it's fine, I intend to change transmission fluid regularly, as it's not that expensive, which previous owners obviously did not do, judging by the colour of the old fluid, it basically was black, while the fresh one is translucent and pink'ish.

[@johndrago8370]

Sometimes it’s not good to change transmission fluid if you have gone through 2 skipped change cycles recommended by the manufacturer. As the fluid gets older the grime builds up and the new fluid has a cleaning property that removes the grime that has built up. The building grime basically becomes a filler in the transmission and the unit needs this buildup to work properly. That said a guide is to change transmission fluid every 60,000 miles and treat it with respect.

[@moistjohn]

Be careful with high milage cvt fluid changes. If it's over 150k you risk Torque Control Clutch failue from wear on the clutch. Basically the clutch has been worn down from old fluid that it requires dirty fluid to work properly. You aren't going to damage anything by doing it but you might make already done damage become a problem. This is an issue not just with CVTs.

[@preventer333]

I see DCT as the evolution of manual and CVT as the evolution of automatic. Have both manual and cvt Subarus, and I can not be any happier. When it comes to auto tranny cars, I also have skepticism but it is up to the buyers to look, research and learn about the products they are about to buy. I simply don't see the need of hatred towards CVTs, but I certainly would not recommend certain brands' cvt. This is one of my biggest dealbreaker for current Hondas, despite knowing that they sell literally the best versions of their products in history. I got burned by their autos, manual (the infamous 8th gen Si 3rd gear...), and don't expect their CVTs to hold up. Subarus, on the other hand, I used to be a manual only person until I tried their current CVT. No complaints. Subaru CVTs are better than some automatics. Toyota CVTs, great, just their programming is annoying. Nissan, run away. Hyundai/Kia, hit or miss, but so far, I liked them a lot and have been reliable for me. Programming can be annoying as Toyotas'. Mazda, stay on autos and don't ruin your momentum by going CVT... and keep making that great manual.

[@pipublisher]

I have a petrol 2 litre 195hp Toyota Corolla self charging hybrid estate with an e-CVT and it will do, on average, 62mpg in the summer and that includes motorway running at 70mph. Bit less in the winter when the engine kicks in to warm you up and you're running the demisting and electric seats etc. The e-CVT is seamless, you don't feel or hear the engine kicking in or cutting off as it switches between the battery/engine and it's just like driving an electric car, squeeze and go, especially when combined with the autonomous cruise control when it just takes over the driving for you, stopping and moving off as required. As somebody who had a succession of Volkswagens but had become disillusioned with the quality of the product over the longer term, when BREXIT happened I made the decision not to give the Germans any more of my money but instead buy British (well, the Corolla is made in the UK...). I have to say I'm more than happy with my choice, especially as the transmission and hybrid battery are covered by a 10 year warranty!

[@trickoflight1]

I have no regrets from buying the two Toyota Prius's I have owned. The 4th generation is a big step up from the 2nd, but the CVT's have been great in both. Before the Prius's I had a couple of Mazda RX-7's, which I also loved, they were both 5 speed manuals. I love the way a manual transmission really connects you and the car to the road. This isn't really true of the CVT, but we're talking about 30 years of cars, my needs have changed.

[@rovert1284]

Disliked my original CVT. Went back to a conventional auto but latest is again CVT. A very quiet drive and it responds really well.

[@joes7166]

I have a 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander with CVT. After 14 years on the road and no problems. I has a way to 'shift' the gears -6 speeds- with paddle shifts on the column or on the gear shift, but I rarely use it. No real need.

[@ez_556]

14 years and no problems? Now I know you are capping. Those CVT’s that Mitsubishi are Nissans. You do know that right? They don’t last whatsoever and I owned cars that have CvT’s and they are not good whatsoever

[@moistjohn]

"Gears" I hate cvts faking gear changes. It's so weird. I do not understand the focus group that decided people wanted to "feel gear shifts".

[@jimjohnstone5257]

I’ve got a Ford Mondeo Hybrid Titanium Edition that’s an automatic CVT but I don’t know what type of CVT it is but I’ll tell you what it’s so easy to drive & comfortable, practically drives itself,had it 3 years now & my wife and I just love it, it’s a 19 reg plate.

[@twinkieerella]

I think it’s an ecvt… similar design as toyota

[@GvIn2it]

2016 Outlander Sport CVT. Since this car has the same 2.5 liter engine as the Outlander but weighs less, it accelerates well. I like the way it performs. The main downfall is the cruise control. It is not properly programmed to hold speed on hills, in order to hold 70 I have to "downshift".

[@greekpapi]

Ive owned 4 cars with CVT's and never had any issues. They dont like sudden or hard starts so take it easy and you'll be alright.

[@KolyanKolyanitch]

What the point of a car if you can't launch it? I would take a bus instead.

[@Oldvehicle19]

​@@KolyanKolyanitch because it's a normal car it's not supposed fast

[@HarleySLA]

Greekpapi people don't understand that cvts are really suited for, and typically mated to, low power engines. They're for economy, not speed. But everybody has to have a race car... nobody likes to just cruise. (Sarcasm, I'm a cruiser) Thats a lot of the issue, people want to launch and give it hell and cvts just cant take that repeatedly. Its unfortunate that not everyone gets something suited to their needs and then they end up having problems. Is what it is I guess.

[@steven.ghodgson765]

Interesting differences in engineering. I have a Susuki S-Cross which uses the CVT. I find it smooth and very fuel efficient.

[@ShiroiShinjuDC5]

My wife has a cvt in her 2014 civic and she hasn’t changed the oil on it for 150,000 miles before she met me and it was still running fine albeit a little clunky but good as long as you’re smooth and I’ll still say I hate cvts in cars they’re amazing in lawnmowers and atvs but not a commuter car that’s going to be driven on hard occasionally and just generally beat on on a daily this is coming from a mechanic who has a stick shift turbo rsx put on turbo and economy tune at 60k and yknow I had to have the sweep the floor tune too so I got the laptop and everything that’s at 232,000 and a f150 that’s at 255,000 all original everything and completely neglected for the first 200,000 it was a buddy of mine but since buying it for a few hundred I’ve changed all fluids it’s run fine for another 50,000. Thought I honestly can’t wait for that damn cvt to break it’s a tank I have a twin turbo j series to put in

[@katzicael]

CVTs in Toyota Hybrids are awesome.

[@jammiedodger7040]

I got a CVT and it’s great fun to drive personally what I think determines if a car is fun or not is it’s size and weight.

[@loufaiella3354]

The DAF Daffodil had one!! There was a hole in the bumper where you had to routinely insert a crank handle to tighten the rubber belt. YES! it was not well suited for US roads.

[@kenhoward3512]

This engineer's explanation avoids (of course) explaining what people who *like* to drive dislike about CVTs: that the transmission adds a layer of disconnect between the driver and what the engine is doing. CVT transmissions are relatively simple and cost-effective for manufacturers to utilize, but relatively weak and very expensive for owners to replace when they break.

[@don.timeless4993]

Salute to the ZF AT HP transmissions, it needs to be in every single car 👑🫡. eCVT is really good idea. i wounder why it's not adopted in the new cars even pure ICE cars? because the way eCVT works it doesnt mean to be only in hybrids!

[@Usersf134ssk]

The smoothness of the cvt is what I enjoy the most in my car, really relaxing, no shift shock, time will tell if it will hold up 😂 hopefully 😂

[@robertpeters9438]

Superb video...maybe add consumer repports of mtbf or cost per mile.

[@wolfman9999999]

Nissan was successful at one thing with using the Jatco unit. It's made everyone forget about GM's implementation (hey, lets take the one we made and put it behind an engine that makes just ever so slightly more power than it was designed for - what could possibly go wrong?). Those suffered from all kinds of issues including belt failure because metal fatigue is a thing when you find a way to just exceed it's limits over time. BMW used one in the MINI initially. I don't remember if that was a Jatco unit or not. Chrysler employed a Jatco CVT in the Jeep Patriot initially. Ford had one in the Freestyle. I don't know if any of those are still around as the car itself was never popular. It was interesting that the video mentioned the Toroidial CVT. I don't think those ever made it out of the concept stage.

[@jessiebrader2926]

I had Dafs in the late seventies wonderful machines. If a belt broke you could still get home with one wheel drive!

[@JorgeRodriguez-po7kx]

Interesting Video Explaining The Function of These Transmissions I have to buy because was an Emergency A Car with a CVT Transmission It drives very smooth I Definitely Love it so Far and been driving it like a Baby Carriage to Make it Last as long as possible But as a say before no Complaints Whatsoever 😁😁

[@markim2545]

The e cvt in our 2024 honda CR V hybrid is one of the greatest technological advances in any transmission design. It is flawless!

[@fpostgate]

I guess it is all about application, I only drive (or try to) manual transmission, so for me if necessary I think the first gear drive combined with the CVT is the only way to go. IMO keep giving me good manuals, although I know this is going to keep getting hard.

[@theredwedge9446]

I wish CVTs were programed to be like a CVT instead of mimicking a transmission with gears like some cars do.

[@eloimumford5247]

Would you explore the Icvt used in Kia Seltos 2022 , i am sincerely impressed by the peppy responsiveness , so far after 20,000 miles i find no flaw driving it with spirit. Thank you for work.

[@CARROMANIACOS]

fantastic video brow

[@jeffjo8732]

There are two, completely different kinds of "eCVT," or "electric CVT." Both make the car work more like an electric vehicle than a gas vehicle. One fact - not the only one - to support this claim is that they do not need a clutch or torque converter to start the car from 0 mph. The Ford and Toyota eCVT (actually, the University of Maryland one, but nobody acknowledges that they designed it first) is more properly called an "electrically controlled" CVT. Two motor-generators and one ICE are connected to the three elements of a planetary gearset. (One also connects directly to the wheels.) One (it can be either) MG acts as a generator, slowing the ICE's rpm. The other acts as a motor driven by the generator, pushing it. The balance between the two controls the rpm of the ICE, relative to the output. Hence "electrically-controlled." The video suggests that the ICE can be used in isolation, but that is impossible (think of a bicycle when the chain breaks). The battery can add or subtract power; it is much like an EV since the final output is entirely determined by what the battery+motor do. Honda has a completely different version. It's better named "electrically coupled" CVT, which means a serial hybrid. Or as I like to say, an "generator+battery" EV. Most of the time, the engine drives only a generator and a generator+battery powered motor drives the car. The ICE stays at optimum rpm and power as much as possible. The "gear ratio" does vary continuously, but it is an irrelevant number.

[@TheBlibo]

Great video I have had 2 mercs with cvt and only have praise for them very furl efficient and reliable I can understand why many font like them for the lack of perceived driving experience but it's no different to variable pitch propeller s on aircraft or variable pitch screws on ships, just the sensible option just don't fit one to a motorcycle where a proper geared transmission really matters

[@sagradamoly4234]

What is a "merc"? Mercury?

[@moushunter]

I never thought there would be a transmission worse than the Chrysler mini van transmissions throughout the 80s, 90s, and so on until the CVT came along. At least the Chrysler transmission were fixable.

[@pliedtka]

You mean the Chrysler trannies which granade themselves after Chrysler got picked up by FIAT. Worst POS. When Daimler was Chrysler they were more reliable and easier to work on, plus parts prices were normal.

[@guylr7390]

Fords were worse😁

[@ibnuzzaki9859]

CVT on scooters are waaayyy simpler, but still cool and nice considering the driving pulley uses centrifugal rollers

[@patriley9449]

I have a Honda 2017 CRV with a CVT and it is very sluggish off the line for a second or two. Otherwise it works well. Not good for quick initial accelerating when pulling into traffic. I also own a 2018 Camry Hybrid with an ECVT. Much better initial response. I feel that a conventional automatic transmission is more responsive altogether, but the CRV gets mid 30s on average and the Camry gets about 50 mpg, so no arguing with that. Both have been totally reliable.

[@batsonelectronics]

I recently got a used 2015 Honda Fit with a CVT. I actually like it. Owned fast sports cars all my life but grew out of it and just want reliable confort for the little I drive now. Exceleration is pretty good for 130HP as the cvt allows the engine to stay in the power band without dropping off to shift. It is a different feel and some may not like it. You will need to change the fluid every 30K miles to prolong the life. Small price to pay for 38mpg on cheap gas. ( I am always the first to go at the stop light and get up to speed the fastest )

[@RobotDCLXVI]

I get 37 with a manual transmission Civic Si with 200hp and I'm not using premium gas even though it's recommended.

[@MishtahPoog]

In concept, a really well-designed, well-built CVT should be the ultimate automatic transmission. It could provide either optimal efficiency or optimal power depending on its programming. Yes, in theory they should be able to make a car accelerate faster than if it had a 10-speed DCT. However, in execution, poor reliability, a low maximum power load, and a lack of user control combined with limited software programming means most CVT-equipped cars end up feeling sluggish, unresponsive, and unsatisfying. This newest generation of CVTs are actually fairly reliable as long as they're serviced (fluid changes/flushes) on a regular basis (~50k mi). It doesn't help, of course, that the manufacturer recommendations tend to be that they never need servicing for the life of the transmission. . . a life which may then be shortened due to lack of maintenance. Maximum power loads are always increasing with each generation and with newer technologies (like the toroidal CVT). Hopefully, we'll get better user control and software in the future. I'd love to have the option to run the engine at maximum power (even if it sounds weird and droning) when I want to, control the exact RPM when I want to, shift simulated gears super fast when I want to, and get optimal fuel economy when I want to. Some newer transmissions are getting close, but they're not quite there yet.

[@PrekiFromPoland]

Toyota's e-CVT seems to be the most robust of them all. There's a reason why hybrid Prius is becoming (or has already become) number one for taxi drivers all over the world, replacing various Mercedes models that were considered ultra-reliable taxis.

[@mickvonbornemann3824]

I’ve always thought a simply CVT should couple up between a turbocharger & a engine, so when there’s not enough exhaust pressure to drive the compressor, it will work off the crank like an crank driven centrifugal supercharger, which is in effect what it will operate as. Then was the turbo spools out, the gearing of the belt ill change, so as well as compressing the intake gases, it will add power to the engine from the spinning turbo itself. In post WWII aero engines this was known as ‘turbo-compounding’.

[@miguelgumulak8084]

If you still prefer a CVT over manual and or automatic then you deserve the many car break downs and maint en e issues related to transmission. Just because all manufacturers are doing it doesn’t mean it’s the right thing. All manufacturers are also using cheaper and cheaper materials and manufacturing methods and yet people are surprised newer cars are having more issues and break down compared to cars 20- 30 years and older

[@denniss1211]

At 80 I have owned MANY different types of cars and trucks. My 2023 Forester is the BEST it is my 4th Suby.

[@mrgarrison3516]

I'm on my 1st Subaru (Crosstrek) 95k miles, 2017 & I luv it .....I hope it lasts me another 7 yrs

[@EkapolTharasiriroj]

Toyota Electromechanical CVT is genius. Must be the most efficient transmission ever.

[@chunkyazian]

I studied mechanical engineering in college and i would not spend one penny on a CVT. At the end of the day, it is just a mechanism in which one metal part rubbing against another and it will eventually wear out. Unlike a clutch plate, you have to replace the entire transmission. I wouldn't buy one until the days when a truck with CVT brings watermelon to your local supplier l supermarket. Those trucks use a tried and true manual with robotic controls

[@user-pi3zm8yi4d]

I've got an '08 Altima. Bought it with 88,000 mi. Now it has 290,000 mi. That's never been replaced. I think they work pretty well if you know how to drive them

[@mrgarrison3516]

That's really great 👍..... considering the reputation Nissan/Jatco has with CVT's

[@SStarlight9614]

my '17 sentra is at 152k mi on her original CVT and besides the weird noises and rubber band effect going from 30-40mph (which is just from it not liking to be driven like a grandma) it's very smooth. I love it! Plan on trading her in for a '24 sentra soon, want something with a warranty so if something major breaks I'm not covering it out of pocket.

[@rightwingsafetysquad9872]

CVTs are wonderful if you drive slow and smooth all the time. Except Nissans, those CVTs are always terrible.

[@miguelnogueirasantos4136]

I have a honda cvt and it is quite good!

[@raveenperera9027]

LIke to know more about eCVT.

[@CheapBastard1988]

Me too! The "How it works" bit didn't really explain how it works. Just a few modes that any owner would know about by looking at the display on the instrument cluster.

[@supersnot4]

Think of it like an open differential operating in reverse. Gas engine on one side, electric motor A on the other side. Electric motor B on the output shaft. Electric motor A controls the engine RPM by generating electricity. That electricity goes to either the battery or electric motor B depending on what the computer needs. The rest of the mechanical energy goes straight to the output shaft. In EV mode, electric motor B does all the work. Electric motor A does nothing and spins freely, allowing all of the rotating energy to bypass the gas engine. Electric motor A starts the engine as well.

[@bullnukeoldman3794]

A great deal of hate/misunderstanding/hyperbolic rants associated with a CVT, much of it due to Nissan's disastrous Jatco units. My personal experience over 12 years and 193,000 miles with a Lineartronic Subaru CVT has been uneventful with only drain/refills of the fluid every 50,000 miles. My experience with conventional automatics has been less successful - my old GMC Yukon went through 3 transmissions in the period from new to 150,000 miles.

[@efgeebe]

I think the toroidal diagram is wrong. Oposite to what he was saying .when the rollers are touching the rim of the driving disc, the speed is same as larger pulley. large pulley driving small pulley means high speed but less torque . . Opposite of what is stared in the vid

[@Duffer71MN]

I noticed the same. Low and high gear diagrams are reversed.

[@broadwayn9320]

@efgeebe , - You are absolutely right.