eli5: Why does a CVT transmission still “shift” if it can be in any position and move seamlessly as they say?
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It is mostly due to consumer preferences.
Early CVTs adjusted the ratio continuously so that the engine operated at optimal RPM for maximum efficiency while delivering the requested acceleration.
When operating like this, the engine RPM doesn’t change in correlation to the vehicle speed. For example, when pulling away from a stop light, the engine RPM might rise to 2,800 RPM, then stay there as the CVT alters the gear ratio to provide acceleration.
Many consumers complained bout the drone of the engine when operating like this. The sensation was compared to that of a boat, and the majority of consumers didn’t care for it.
In response, manufacturers introduced artificial “steps” so that the engine RPM would rise with velocity, then fall in steps just like a regular transmission. Behind the scenes though, the CVT is still adjusting the ratios to provide better fuel economy. Just not to the degree that it could.
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