Technical Paper
Fuel Economy Benefits of a High Torque Infinitely Variable Transmission for Commercial Vehicles
2007-10-30
2007-01-4206
Replacing a conventional automatic transmission with a high torque capacity, full-toroidal traction drive Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT), delivers fuel economy benefits approaching those achieved by hybrid drivelines when a suitable balance between battery life and fuel economy is implemented, but with minimal additional on-cost, weight and complexity. These benefits are achieved by optimizing the engine operating conditions, eliminating the torque converter and removing torque interruptions during the gearshifts. Recent application of a non-optimal IVT to an Optare Solo bus (an 11,300kg European Midi-Bus) produced fuel savings of 19% over the standard Allison 5-speed automatic transmission. These measurements were independently performed by the internationally recognized Millbrook Proving Ground, UK.
