INTRODUCTION
The e-CVT is an electronic continuous variable
transmission that utilizes electric motors to manage the speeds of a vehicle and offer the optimum speed ratio for the engine's smooth and efficient
performance.
One of the most impressive feature of an e-CVT is its capabilities to monitor the driving conditions. The e-CVT optimizes the engagement between the
transmission and the engine based on the driver's accelerations to provide the optimal fuel economy.
Agricultural tractors with e-CVT installed would have less operating noise and smoother engine performance. The transmission could also provide
quick acceleration, great speed control, and drivetrain efficiency.
WHY e-CVT for tractors ?
Efficient at higher-loads
Effective for small to medium-sized tractors that require strong tractive effort at low speeds for regular high-load operations (e.g. plowing).
Variable speed ratios
It enables the ratio of engine speed to wheel
speed to be constantly adjustable across a
wide range.
Cleaner Environment
The installation of e-CVT in tractors used for closed
environments (e.g. greenhouses) could make the
workplace healthier for the farmers & increasing the
quality of the crop produced.
Effective Fuel Consumption
Reduces fuel consumption and polluting emissions considerably compared with traditional vehicles (ICEs) with reasonable electric driving range.
CVT Vs Regular Transmission
CVTs use belt or chain
drives, while regular
transmission utilizes gears
to manage efficient RPM.
In general, CVT is
more compact and
lightweight than
regular transmission.
CVT can alter the speed
ratio indefinitely to
keep the engine running
at peak performance.
Tech - Products
The ZF eTERRAMATIC electrified
CVT transmission is supported by
by the functional integration of
the electric power take-off
(ePTO).
The John Deere e-CVT is
developed to offboard
electricity from the tractor in
order to streamline more
power to minimize wheel slip &
optimize uphill performance.
The Steyr new type of e-CVT
concept allows the front &
rear axles to be variably &
independently controlled. And
also achieves 8% fuel savings.
Allison Transmission has
introduced eGen Power® which is
a replacement of traditional
transmission to obtain increased
efficiency .
The CLAAS infinitely variable
transmission is designed
particularly for tractors that carry
out heavy cultivation activities.
The Carraro CVT transmission is
developed to carryout heavy
agricultural activities, where optimum
torque level is automatically
managed via the Carraro electronic
control unit (ECU).
Notable Patents
Title: Power shift
hybrid transmission
DE102021205343A1
Assignee: ZF
Friedrichshafen AG
The invention relates to hybrid
transmission where an electric CVT
mode can be setup with hybrid
transmission. With the e-CVT mode
a variable & compact hybrid
transmission could be created.
Title: Power shift
hybrid transmission
DE102021205343A1
Assignee: ZF
Friedrichshafen AG
The present invention relates to a
continuous variable-ratio
transmission (CVT). Here the
transmission permits the ratio
between a drive input and a drive
output to be adjusted continuously.
Key Takeways
In terms of agricultural tractors, the e-CVT transmission is still in its early
phases. One of the most important factor for e-CVT in tractors is to satisfy
high torque capabilities for low speeds and with high loads.
Top companies like ZF Friedrichshafen AG, John Deere, Allison Transmission,
Carraro Group and CLAAS are seen to be active in the technology.
Innovations are mainly focused on achieving infinite transmission ratios for
tractors in order to increase engine efficiency, torque output, and lesser fuel
consumption.
