I do not have a lot of experience driving a CVT vehicle but the ones I have were not impressive. Two months ago I bought a new Honda Civic turbocharged 1.5 liter with a CVT to keep miles off my 3500 Ram driving for work. They have this thing figured out now. It is smooth as silk and this thing is like a little bullet. What got me thinking is how it will hold 2k RPM's from 10mph to 60mph and not move the tach at all. Would this not be great behind a Cummins or any new diesel. So after some research I guess the main problem is making a belt that can handle the torque. However I did find where in 2012 Allison and Dana signed an agreement with Fallbrook Technologies to develop a planetary CVT called the CVP trans. The main target seems to be over the road tractors but who knows if might come to light and medium duty trucks.Another new spin would be diesel over electric trucks like have been used in locomotives for years. A flat max torque curve that starts from idle to wide open again would be sweet pulling any trailer. All this may be way down the road but any thoughts?

I remember they were "THE" thing 10 years ago, fairly low torque limits were their downfall. "diesel over electric trucks".. Gas over electric is the chevy volt, I always thought a light diesel along the lines of the VW diesel (pre scandal) would net even better MPG's.Maybe a RWD large diesel engine, electric generator/starter, CVT, automatic clutch, electric motor, driveshaft, axle.. Add a reasonable battery pack for regenerative braking and to help launches. Stop and go on electric / battery. Launch on electric, with the diesel backing it up (and CVT kicking in once moving). Cruse with the electric disengaged using the CVT to power the axle direct from motor. You won't need a massive CVT, just 200-300 lb feet through it, the electrics can handle the rest.

CVT have limitations in terms of what kind of HP/TQ they can reliably handle. Great for smaller lighter vehicles but thats about it

Unless they are more reliable and have a longer service life of the newer 8+ speeds I dont's see the need. I have been driving the 8 speed offerings of FCA a lot and they are pretty seamless on the shifts. In fact, unless you are in sport mode or really getting on it, it is hard to even feel the shifts.

Some engineer somewhere will get it figured out eventually, and it will make the conventional automatic transmission obsolete.I'm guessing it'll happen round about the time I'm grumpy and old and vehemently averse to any change. Then I can come on here and complain that I can no longer get a good old reliable "slushbox" in a pickup truck, like the guys complaining that they can't get a stick shift now.

CVT in your 1 ton? | Good Sam Community

christopherglen
Explorer
May 04, 2016
I remember they were "THE" thing 10 years ago, fairly low torque limits were their downfall.
"diesel over electric trucks".. Gas over electric is the chevy volt, I always thought a light diesel along the lines of the VW diesel (pre scandal) would net even better MPG's.

Maybe a RWD large diesel engine, electric generator/starter, CVT, automatic clutch, electric motor, driveshaft, axle.. Add a reasonable battery pack for regenerative braking and to help launches.
Stop and go on electric / battery. Launch on electric, with the diesel backing it up (and CVT kicking in once moving). Cruse with the electric disengaged using the CVT to power the axle direct from motor. You won't need a massive CVT, just 200-300 lb feet through it, the electrics can handle the rest.
N-Trouble
Explorer
May 04, 2016
CVT have limitations in terms of what kind of HP/TQ they can reliably handle. Great for smaller lighter vehicles but thats about it
mich800
Explorer
May 04, 2016
Unless they are more reliable and have a longer service life of the newer 8+ speeds I dont's see the need. I have been driving the 8 speed offerings of FCA a lot and they are pretty seamless on the shifts. In fact, unless you are in sport mode or really getting on it, it is hard to even feel the shifts.
mkirsch
Nomad II
May 04, 2016
Some engineer somewhere will get it figured out eventually, and it will make the conventional automatic transmission obsolete.

I'm guessing it'll happen round about the time I'm grumpy and old and vehemently averse to any change. Then I can come on here and complain that I can no longer get a good old reliable "slushbox" in a pickup truck, like the guys complaining that they can't get a stick shift now.
agesilaus
Explorer III
May 04, 2016
ignore---
gbopp
Explorer
May 04, 2016
mkirsch wrote:
Some engineer somewhere will get it figured out eventually, and it will make the conventional automatic transmission obsolete.

Yep, no doubt that day is coming. I think it will be a good thing.

Maybe we should hold onto our manual transmission cars/trucks. They will be the ultimate theft deterrent in a few years. :)
lawnspecialties
Explorer
May 04, 2016
Some tractors are running CVTs these days. Lord knows they rely on torque.
msjdbman
Explorer
May 04, 2016
There have been CVT applications in heavy equipment and agricultural equipment for several years now. They handle tremendous hp and torque very well. The biggest issue for the possibility in light truck applications is weight....they are heavy.
agesilaus
Explorer III
May 05, 2016
Not CVT but Ford has something on their pickup website that says they are developing a 10 speed for gassers and a 9 speed for SD trucks. GM is supposedly a partner in this.
mich800
Explorer
May 05, 2016
agesilaus wrote:
Not CVT but Ford has something on their pickup website that says they are developing a 10 speed for gassers and a 9 speed for SD trucks. GM is supposedly a partner in this.

Check it out here

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