What is the difference between Honda eCVT and CVT?
3 Answers
The differences between Honda eCVT and CVT are as follows: 1. Different structures: The structure of CVT mainly consists of two sets of pulleys (drive pulley, driven pulley), a transmission belt (steel belt), an oil pump, a torque converter, an actuator (valve body, oil circuit), sensors, and a control computer. The composition is relatively complex, and the steel belt has limited torque capacity, so it is generally only used in small vehicles as a transmission system; The structure of eCVT is simpler, without complex mechanisms such as clutches, torque converters, or gear shaft sets found in traditional transmission systems. It consists of a set of planetary gears and two motors. 2. Different principles: In CVT technology, Motor 2 is responsible for starting, low-speed driving, and hybrid driving; Motor 1 is mainly responsible for starting the engine and generating electricity. In most cases, the engine does not directly drive the wheels; eCVT not only transmits power but also couples the energy of the engine and the motor to achieve power output. Therefore, it is actually a power combination system, specifically designed as a power distribution mechanism for hybrid models. 3. Different power characteristics: eCVT is Toyota's strong hybrid solution's electric transmission mechanism, consisting of two motors and a set of planetary gears. It can achieve electric drive, continuously variable transmission, and energy recovery; CVT refers to the ordinary mechanical continuously variable transmission.
Having worked in the automotive industry for many years, I often see people confuse Honda's eCVT with regular CVT. Simply put, a CVT is a traditional continuously variable transmission that uses a belt or chain sliding on conical pulleys to change gear ratios, providing smoother acceleration—like what you find in the Fit and Civic. eCVT, however, is entirely different—it's designed for hybrid systems, such as the i-MMD system in the Accord Hybrid. Instead of relying on a belt, eCVT operates using a planetary gearset combined with electric motors. When the engine kicks in, eCVT distributes power to the wheels or the generator, recapturing braking energy to improve efficiency while delivering instant acceleration without lag. The driving experience differs even more: CVTs can sometimes exhibit slight slippage and a droning noise, whereas eCVT runs as quietly as a pure electric vehicle. If you prioritize fuel efficiency and new technology, a hybrid with eCVT is the smarter choice—especially in stop-and-go traffic, where it makes driving much more effortless.
I've driven quite a few Honda vehicles, experiencing everything from older CVT models to the latest hybrid eCVT versions. The CVT feels like walking in roller skates - acceleration is smooth when you step on the throttle but occasionally jerky, especially when climbing hills where it lacks punch. The eCVT is impressive though; working in hybrid models, it delivers instant torque burst when the electric motor kicks in, launching swiftly from traffic lights while remaining quiet as a library. In terms of fuel efficiency, the eCVT can cover over 20km per liter in city driving, while CVT models max out around 15km, since eCVT can drive electrically and recover energy. Maintenance-wise, CVT belts need replacement when worn, whereas eCVT's structure is more durable, though hybrid batteries require extra attention. Overall, I believe eCVT represents the future direction, offering significantly more driving pleasure.
