What does CTV mean?
2 Answers
CTV stands for Continuously Variable Transmission, also known as a CVT. In a CTV transmission system, traditional gears are replaced by a pair of pulleys and a steel belt. Each pulley is actually a V-shaped structure composed of two conical discs. The engine shaft is connected to the smaller pulley, which drives the larger pulley through the steel belt. Theoretically, a CTV transmission system can have an unlimited number of gears, offering greater flexibility in gear settings. It is easier to achieve the balance between gear ratio, speed ratio, performance, fuel consumption, and exhaust emissions compared to traditional transmission systems. The mechanical efficiency and fuel economy of a CTV transmission are significantly better than those of a conventional automatic transmission, second only to manual transmissions, and offer much better fuel efficiency.
When I first started driving, I was quite curious about CVT, and later learned that it stands for 'Continuously Variable Transmission,' which is the Chinese term for a stepless transmission. I drove a car with CVT for over a year and found it incredibly smooth—no jerky gear shifts like in traditional automatics, and the engine noise was very quiet. The fuel efficiency was the most satisfying part, as it always kept the engine RPM in the optimal range, unlike geared cars that waste fuel by constantly shifting. During daily commutes in traffic, the CVT made acceleration seamless, with almost no noticeable gear changes, making it perfect for city driving. While some say it's not suited for aggressive driving, for me, this smooth experience is what matters most.
