Hybrid Trailer Tow pseudo Shift points

[Rowboat]

I've noticed that the engine starts immediately upon selection of D in Tow mode but I was surprised to experience what felt like transmission shifts while accelerating when in Tow mode. If emulates about a 6 or 8 speed auto-transmission.
What the .... why...??
.

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[Automate]

Sport mode does the same thing. Makes you "feel" like it is being more effective and reduces the monotomous droning caused by keeping the engine at the best speed.

 

[Saltwater Cowboys]

Fake shifting is the dumbest thing ever next to the fake engine noises from a Tesla.

 

[GPSMan]

I understand the "aesthetics" of fake shifts in sport mode, but not in tow haul mode.

The rpms relative to wheel speed do seem higher (so lower "gear") while in tow mode.

Example 55 MPH in Normal: 2400 rpm
55 MPH in Tow/Haul: 2700 rpm

BTW, the fake shifts are not always present. If you are into the throttle heavy when actually towing, they don't occur. When I was towing, accelerating onto the freeway, no fake shifts. Putzing around town, yes, fake shifts.

A chin scratcher.

 

[Rowboat]

The fake shifts seems kinda like 'Driving for Dummies'.
I'd rather hear how fast the engine is spinning (no tach!) to help me understand at what point optimum electric+ internal combustion torque is achieved when harnessed by the ECVT. That power gauge seems indecipherable to me.
I have a lot of questions about electric + gas combined torque, and when/if the gas tops-up the battery, and whether the battery is charged to a point where the calculated energy potentially recovered from a stopping event, considering the current vehicle speed, would complete battery top-off, and..and...
But, without getting deep into the weeds of system strategies, I'd understand more if I had current flow, battery voltage level and tachometer monitors/gauges.
Or... I can just mash the gas pedal and see what happens.
I still love the truck!

 

[GPSMan]

The fake shifts seems kinda like 'Driving for Dummies'.
I'd rather hear how fast the engine is spinning (no tach!) to help me understand at what point optimum electric+ internal combustion torque is achieved when harnessed by the ECVT. That power gauge seems indecipherable to me.
I have a lot of questions about electric + gas combined torque, and when/if the gas tops-up the battery, and whether the battery is charged to a point where the calculated energy potentially recovered from a stopping event, considering the current vehicle speed, would complete battery top-off, and..and...
But, without getting deep into the weeds of system strategies, I'd understand more if I had current flow, battery voltage level and tachometer monitors/gauges.
Or... I can just mash the gas pedal and see what happens.
I still love the truck!

I have everything you wish for and more in my truck. You can too.

scangauge.com

 

[GPSMan]

The power gauge is pretty much what you think it is. The whole truck has 191 peak horsepower.

10% = 19 HP
20% = 38 HP

and so on....

 

[TomD]

I've noticed that the engine starts immediately upon selection of D in Tow mode but I was surprised to experience what felt like transmission shifts while accelerating when in Tow mode. If emulates about a 6 or 8 speed auto-transmission.
What the .... why...??
.

I’m the problem is that there are many people that don’t live CVT transmissions because they can’t feel the shifting. I guess they do what they need to to make it work.

 

[TomD]

Fake shifting is the dumbest thing ever next to the fake engine noises from a Tesla.

There is actually federal traffic safety rule for that. When EV’s came out there were a lot of pedestrians hit by cars because they didn’t didn't hear them. Supposedly the manufacturers are supposed provide something so people can tell the vehicle is about to move. I think the problem was mostly in parking lots and driveways. Hence the backup alarms on them.
At the local Costco your life is in your hands. People get into the start and go and never look. By the time they realize it you are sprawled across the hood or worse.

 

[CajunMick]

The CVT may be a great thing since lots of mfr using them. I don’t have one, but did research on them, since my son’s Nissan has one. What I found out was couple of things I informed my son about his CVT -
1. Never shift the tranny when car is in motion. Like when backing out of a parking spot, always let vehicle come to full stop before shifting into Drive.
2. If the CVT requires servicing, like fluid change, always let the dealer service it. Due to the structure of the CVT, with weird CV pulleys and a belt/chain, a special lube oil is required. From what understand, in early stage of CVT, lots of issues then, however with minor design and lube change, the CVT turned to better function.

For that reason, I opt for a 2.0 engine with the 8 spd tranny, drivetrain setup, for 4,000# towing. Perhaps a robust setup?

Now, I’m not knocking the CVT type transmission, given what today’s technologies evolved to, but just being aware of what the product is, how functions and prior histories.

 

[fossil]

Those shift points are actually brief pauses for the hybrid to catch it's breath

 

[MetalsGeek]

The CVT may be a great thing since lots of mfr using them. I don’t have one, but did research on them, since my son’s Nissan has one. What I found out was couple of things I informed my son about his CVT -
1. Never shift the tranny when car is in motion. Like when backing out of a parking spot, always let vehicle come to full stop before shifting into Drive.
2. If the CVT requires servicing, like fluid change, always let the dealer service it. Due to the structure of the CVT, with weird CV pulleys and a belt/chain, a special lube oil is required. From what understand, in early stage of CVT, lots of issues then, however with minor design and lube change, the CVT turned to better function.

For that reason, I opt for a 2.0 engine with the 8 spd tranny, drivetrain setup, for 4,000# towing. Perhaps a robust setup?

Now, I’m not knocking the CVT type transmission, given what today’s technologies evolved to, but just being aware of what the product is, how functions and prior histories.

Be aware that the ECVT in the Mav (like the "hybrid Synergy" drive in a Prius) is a COMPLETELY different beast from the typical CVT you find ICE cars. It has a really simple planetary gear train that mechanically combines the engine, a motor/generator (starter), and the wheels (other motor). All the various drive ratios are synthesized by spinning the first MG in different directions and speeds. It has no clutches or a torque converter like a traditional automatic transmission, and none of the cheesy chain drive or tapered pulleys of the typical CVT. It's so simple and clean that it should last a very long time.

 

[InDaRed2]

I actually laughed out loud the first time I put mine in sport mode and noticed the "shifting". I also think extra engine sounds are generated through a speaker some where.

 

[GPSMan]

I actually laughed out loud the first time I put mine in sport mode and noticed the "shifting". I also think extra engine sounds are generated through a speaker some where.

The sound speaker is behind the driver's side "fog light".

It is on only when the gas engine is off, the selector is something other than Park, and then, only under 20 mph.

 

[CajunMick]

Be aware that the ECVT in the Mav (like the "hybrid Synergy" drive in a Prius) is a COMPLETELY different beast from the typical CVT you find ICE cars. It has a really simple planetary gear train that mechanically combines the engine, a motor/generator (starter), and the wheels (other motor). All the various drive ratios are synthesized by spinning the first MG in different directions and speeds. It has no clutches or a torque converter like a traditional automatic transmission, and none of the cheesy chain drive or tapered pulleys of the typical CVT. It's so simple and clean that it should last a very long time.

Good to know that. Kinda reminds me of those AA fuel dragsters that tried similar style tranny, theirs were whats called ”form sprag“ type.

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