Systems and methods for controlling transmissions having CVTs are disclosed with multiple modes and gearing arrangements for range enhancements, where embodiments include synchronous shifting to allow the transmission to achieve a continuous range of transmission ratios, while minimizing empty cycling of the CVT during mode shifts. Embodiments provide for wide ratio range and performance and efficiency flexibility, while maximizing CVT usage through synchronous shifting.

A vehicle system includes a high voltage battery and at least one control module configured to monitor the high voltage battery and command a visual warning in response to a disconnect event of the high voltage battery. The visual warning may be produced by a hazard light.

Disclosed here are inventive systems and methods for a powertrain of an electric vehicle (EV). In some embodiments, said powertrain includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to an electric drive motor, wherein a control system is configured to control the CVT and/or the drive motor to optimize various efficiencies associated with the EV and/or its subsystems. In one specific embodiment, the control system is configured to operate the EV in an economy mode. Operating in said mode, the control system simultaneously manages the CVT and the drive motor to optimize the range of the EV. The control system can be configured to manage the current provided to the drive motor, as well as adjust a transmission speed ratio of the CVT. Other modes of operation are also disclosed. The control system can be configured to manage the power to the drive motor and adjust the transmission speed ratio of the CVT taking into account battery voltage, throttle position, and transmission speed ratio, for example.

Disclosed here are inventive systems and methods for a powertrain of an electric vehicle (EV). In some embodiments, said powertrain includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to an electric drive motor, wherein a control system is configured to control the CVT and/or the drive motor to optimize various efficiencies associated with the EV and/or its subsystems. In one specific embodiment, the control system is configured to operate the EV in an economy mode. Operating in said mode, the control system simultaneously manages the CVT and the drive motor to optimize the range of the EV. The control system can be configured to manage the current provided to the drive motor, as well as adjust a transmission speed ratio of the CVT. Other modes of operation are also disclosed. The control system can be configured to manage the power to the drive motor and adjust the transmission speed ratio of the CVT taking into account battery voltage, throttle position, and transmission speed ratio, for example.

A continuously variable transmission capable of operating in a forward direction or reverse direction maybe controlled in the reverse direction by providing an initial skew angle in a first skew direction, followed by a set or sequence of skew angle adjustments in an opposite direction to prevent runaway or other unintended consequences. A continuously variable transmission may include a timing plate to maintain all planets at an angle or within a range of an angle in forward and reverse operations.

Disclosed here are inventive systems and methods for a powertrain of an electric vehicle (EV). In some embodiments, said powertrain includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to an electric drive motor, wherein a control system is configured to control the CVT and/or the drive motor to optimize various efficiencies associated with the EV and/or its subsystems. In one specific embodiment, the control system is configured to operate the EV in an economy mode. Operating in said mode, the control system simultaneously manages the CVT and the drive motor to optimize the range of the EV. The control system can be configured to manage the current provided to the drive motor, as well as adjust a transmission speed ratio of the CVT. Other modes of operation are also disclosed. The control system can be configured to manage the power to the drive motor and adjust the transmission speed ratio of the CVT taking into account battery voltage, throttle position, and transmission speed ratio, for example.

Disclosed here are inventive systems and methods for a powertrain of an electric vehicle (EV). In some embodiments, said powertrain includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to an electric drive motor, wherein a control system is configured to control the CVT and/or the drive motor to optimize various efficiencies associated with the EV and/or its subsystems. In one specific embodiment, the control system is configured to operate the EV in an economy mode. Operating in said mode, the control system simultaneously manages the CVT and the drive motor to optimize the range of the EV. The control system can be configured to manage the current provided to the drive motor, as well as adjust a transmission speed ratio of the CVT. Other modes of operation are also disclosed. The control system can be configured to manage the power to the drive motor and adjust the transmission speed ratio of the CVT taking into account battery voltage, throttle position, and transmission speed ratio, for example.

Described herein is a control system for a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a ball planetary variator (CVP), providing a smooth and controlled operation. In some embodiments, the control system implements an optimization sub-module. System losses in a CVP equipped vehicle consist of the following: CVP efficiency losses, hydraulic pump losses, clutch energy losses, mode shift losses, torque converter losses, and engine losses (defined as deviation from best Brake Specific Fuel Consumption point), among others. Driver torque demand can be satisfied by an infinite combination of operating points consisting of a chosen engine operating point, CVP ratio, and mode selection. The required clamping load and line pressure requirements resulting from these choices further influences losses. Methods described herein select a system operating point that minimizes total system losses.

Described herein is a control system for a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a ball planetary variator (CVP), providing a smooth and controlled operation. In some embodiments, the control system implements an optimization sub-module. System losses in a CVP equipped vehicle consist of the following: CVP efficiency losses, hydraulic pump losses, clutch energy losses, mode shift losses, torque converter losses, and engine losses (defined as deviation from best Brake Specific Fuel Consumption point), among others. Driver torque demand can be satisfied by an infinite combination of operating points consisting of a chosen engine operating point, CVP ratio, and mode selection. The required clamping load and line pressure requirements resulting from these choices further influences losses. Methods described herein select a system operating point that minimizes total system losses.

Systems and methods for controlling transmissions having CVTs are disclosed with multiple modes and gearing arrangements for range enhancements, where embodiments include synchronous shifting to allow the transmission to achieve a continuous range of transmission ratios, while minimizing empty cycling of the CVT during mode shifts. Embodiments provide for wide ratio range and performance and efficiency flexibility, while maximizing CVT usage through synchronous shifting.