Study on the Design and Speed Ratio Control Strategy of Continuously Variable Transmission for Electric Vehicle

In order to develop continuously variable transmission (CVT) suited for electric vehicle (EV), a comparative analysis of the transmission used on EV is introduced in this paper. To solve the problems of traditional CVT used for EV, a newly designed electric CVT (ECVT) is proposed. The final drive ratio, speed ratio range of variator and hydraulic system of ECVT are redesigned for improving the transmission efficiency. Considering that the permanent magnet synchronization traction motor (PMSTM) of EV has an ideal driving characteristic (Constant torque at low speed, constant power at high speed) and wider high efficiency area compared with gasoline engine, the speed ratio control strategy of ECVT is studied again for improving the vehicle driving range and better meeting the requirements of driver. Finally, a simulation test system is fabricated for evaluating the battery energy consumption of an EV equipped with ECVT and single-speed transmission (SST) under constant speed and road drive cycle. The simulation results show that the ECVT proposed can extend the endurance mileage of EV at the speed of 20 to 90km/h, and improve the acceleration performance from 0 to 50km/h. The EV equipped with ECVT showed more advantages compared with SST in urban conditions.