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Old 07-25-2013, 06:16 PM   #16 (permalink)
RedDevil
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Red Devil - '11 Honda Insight Elegance
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I'd think the planetary gear system is ideal for a simple 3-speed EV gearbox. The gears are in constant mesh and can take high loads.

Toyota already uses that at the core of their Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the Prius, where it is augmented with extra motors and generators to mimic CVT operation while having superior efficiency around the 3 base gearings. Either that or a planetary system without the gizmo's would seem right as a EV transmission.
The Toyota setup makes for smooth transitions. It also makes for license fees or lawsuits for anyone who uses it without their permission, though Antonov claims it is the other way round.

The most succesful car to use planetary gears was the Ford model T btw.
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