The World’s First Geared CVT Is Here

Italian company Alter Ego, led by mechanical engineer Edyson Pavilcu and supported by research from Milan Technical University, has introduced the world’s first geared continuously variable transmission (CVT). The RatioZero transmission boasts a groundbreaking efficiency improvement, reportedly 10% higher than traditional belt-driven CVTs, putting it on par with manual transmissions.

Unlike conventional CVTs that use friction belts, the RatioZero employs a unique torque-relay system with meshed metal gears, enabling seamless ratio adjustments from zero to overdrive without a clutch. This innovation eliminates the belt friction inefficiencies found in standard CVTs, achieving efficiency levels of 95-98%.

The RatioZero mechanism uses three inner gears that deliver constant torque to the output drive in a sequential manner. A sliding actuator modifies gear ratios by offsetting the axles of these gears, allowing smooth transitions across the entire range. Though slightly noisy and complex, the system addresses major limitations of existing transmissions, including the ability to operate at zero gear ratio.

Alter Ego has developed several working prototypes, including a bicycle with joystick-controlled variable gear ratios. The company plans to integrate the transmission into a Yamaha T-Max scooter to demonstrate its broader potential applications in motorcycles, vehicles, wind turbines, and industrial machines.

The RatioZero design is currently at Technology Readiness Level 5, requiring further development and testing for commercial viability. Alter Ego is launching a crowdfunding campaign to raise $500,000 to continue research, refine the technology, and attract OEM partnerships.

If successful, RatioZero could redefine transmission technology, combining the precision of manual systems with the flexibility of CVTs, while promising unparalleled efficiency and performance.