CVT Transmission Innovation

One of the most commonly used transmissions in modern vehicles is the continuously variable transmission, or CVT. Originally popularized in economy cars, this technology has become the preferred transmission for most new gasoline-powered vehicles, including side-by-sides.

UTVs have been using CVTs for a long time, from utility-focused side-by-sides to high-performance models like the Can-Am Maverick X3, Polaris RZR, and the supercharged Kawasaki Teryx H2. Recently, faster models have started adopting dual-clutch transmissions for even quicker shifts.

While the CVT allows for consistent RPMs throughout the transmission's gearing, the gear ratios are set at the factory and cannot be changed without significant modifications. This limits the versatility of utility side-by-sides and high-performance vehicles.

Polaris has introduced a new patent that allows for changing gear ratios on the fly, potentially revolutionizing the CVT technology.

According to the patent discovered by RideApart, Polaris mentions that traditional CVTs are cheaper to manufacture but lack the ability to modify gear ratios during vehicle operation. The new patent aims to address this limitation by providing a mechanism to adjust the position of a moveable sheave within the CVT.

This innovation would allow users to change gear ratios with the push of a button, enabling low-speed crawling or high-speed performance as needed. The patent drawings are based on a Polaris RZR, suggesting that this technology may be integrated into future models, making them versatile for various terrains and conditions.