Why doesn't the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV use a CVT?

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV comes with a single reduction gear transmission, why not a CVT? Does this not mean that engine and electric motors miss out on the advantages of operating at their optimum torque or economy band?

Chris Camp (Auckland)

Jul 2014 Filed under: electric cars

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Expert answer

Hi Chris,

The thing to bear in mind here is that the engine rarely has to directly power the wheels; most of the time it operates (at set optimum speeds) to turn the generator and charge the battery pack. Other than that, when it does power the front wheels it's at specific speeds in particular conditions, for which we assume it has been calibrated. The addition of a CVT may well enhance the situation, but it would add another chunk of weight to an already heavy vehicle.

Electric motors don't need a continuously varying gear ratio to operate efficiently.

You can read our drive of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV here

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Adviser
@Shane_O_D