• nilloc
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    1 year ago

    The CVTs in hybrid applications in Prius and (Toyota designed) Subaru gas electric hybrids are very different from traditional CVTs.

    There aren’t any belts or chains for changing ratios, they have a clever used of a planetary gear with the outer ring gear connected to the electric motor. This allows the output ratio to be continuously changed (which for the gas end of hybrids, allows the engine to be held at its most efficient RPM, while the vehicle speed changes as the driver wants).

    I’m not sure when it comes to pedaling cadence, that maintaining a constant speed is as helpful. Though being able to adjust that continuously would be nice-on demand.