Bosch introduces CVT for EVs
Bosch is introducing the CVT4EV, the continuously variable transmission with Bosch push belt, specially designed for electric vehicles. CVT4EV is a compact variable-ratio transmission that supports the performance requirements of electric vehicles for a wider audience.
The system improves the economy and performance of the electric powertrain, while maintaining the smooth and comfortable character of the electric motor.
The variable gear ratio of the CVT4EV ensures an optimal trade-off between efficiency and performance. Bosch says the system controls the speed and torque of the electric motor and improves the vehicle’s performance. This results in faster acceleration, higher top speeds and more torque at the wheels for towing and off-road performance.
Continuous shifting allows maximum power to be applied continuously, allowing the vehicle to accelerate better and drive faster up the mountain. Power also remains more readily available across vehicle speed, leading to higher top speeds and lower energy consumption.
By running the electric motor at its most efficient operating point, the CVT4EV also ensures lower energy consumption. In the combined efficiency of the inverter, electric motor and CVT, the system finds the optimum operating point of the electric powertrain by controlling the transmission ratio of the CVT. That is the point where the power and torque are delivered in the most efficient way.
Due to the reduced torque and speed requirement of the electric motor, the CVT4EV makes a more compact electric motor possible, according to Bosch. Alternatively, a larger driving range with the same engine can be selected.
Bosch claims CVT4EV provides an additional cost advantage for car manufacturers due to its versatility. CVT4EV makes a single drivetrain suitable for a wide variety of applications, be it a mid-size car, sports car or light commercial vehicle. This solution consists of one platform with a CVT4EV module, an inverter, an electric motor and a final drive with a ratio adapted to the vehicle.
This creates a major cost advantage for car manufacturers, with less cost and complexity in the development, production and aftermarket of their applications and vehicles.
VW E-golf test equipped with Bosch CVT4EV
This variability also offers an improved user experience through the availability of different driving modes (e.g. uphill, highway or individual mode). The variability of the CVT4EV also offers car manufacturers a way to differentiate themselves with their vehicles by offering typical driving behaviour related to their brand in all segments. As a result, the driving experience by the end user is still linked to the car brand.
Unlike alternative multi-stage solutions for electric vehicles, the CVT4EV introduces fewer restrictions on torque and revs. In addition, it offers completely smooth shifting without shifting shocks – a feature that is a must for EVs. Extra measures to mask switching shocks are therefore not necessary; in addition, the potentially larger control range of the CVT reduces the revs of the electric motor, resulting in an even smoother and quieter ride.
