Impact of Transmission Configuration on Efficiency and Energy Recovery in Electric Vehicles

Published online: 29/01/2026

Authors

Corressponding author's email:

datlv@hcmute.edu.vn

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54644/jte.2026.1974

Keywords:

CVT transmission, PMSM motor, Electric vehicle, Energy efficiency, Regenerative brake

Abstract

This study investigates the regenerative energy efficiency of electric vehicles (EVs) equipped with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) compared to those utilizing traditional Single-Speed Transmission (SST). The research employs a simulation-based approach using Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs), which are known for their high efficiency and responsiveness in EV applications. By simulating vehicle dynamics under standardized driving cycles such as the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) and the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC), the study analyzes key performance indicators including regenerative braking force, energy recovery potential, and the battery's state of charge (SOC). The results reveal that EVs with CVT systems outperform their SST counterparts in terms of energy regeneration, particularly during deceleration and braking phases. CVT not only enables smoother transitions in gear ratios but also maintains optimal operating points for the motor, allowing more effective energy capture during braking. Furthermore, vehicles with CVT demonstrate a more stable SOC profile throughout the driving cycles, contributing to extended battery life and improved driving range. These findings highlight the potential of integrating CVT into EV drivetrains as a strategy to enhance overall efficiency, regenerative performance, and driving safety—making it a promising direction for the development of next-generation electric vehicles.

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Author Biographies

Thanh Quang Le, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering, Vietnam

Thanh Quang Le was born in Vietnam. He earned a Master’s degree in Automotive Engineering from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (currently Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering or HCM-UTE). He is a teacher at faculty of vehicle and energy engineering at HCM-UTE. His research areas include improving intake performance of small gasoline engines, studying the dynamics of electric vehicles, optimizing energy management in electric vehicles, and enhancing the efficiency of CVT transmissions in electric vehicles.

Email: quanglt@hcmute.edu.vn. ORCID:  https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6571-3203.

Bao Hieu Nguyen Kim, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering, Vietnam

Bao Hieu Nguyen Kim was born in Vietnam. She is currently a Master’s student in Automotive Engineering at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering (HCM-UTE) and serves as a Lecturer in the Electric Vehicle Division, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Nguyen Tat Thanh University (NTTU). Her research interests include enhancing the performance of electric and hybrid vehicles, investigating electric vehicle dynamics, optimizing energy management strategies for EVs, and improving CVT drivetrain efficiency in electric vehicles.

Email: 2430507@student.hcmute.edu.vn. ORCID:  https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9264-3544.

Vinh Dat Ly, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering, Vietnam

Vinh Dat Ly was born in Vietnam. He earned a Ph.D. in Power Mechanical Engineering from National Taipei University, Taiwan, in 2013 and was appointed Associate Professor in 2018. He is the Head of the Engine Department in the Faculty of Power Mechanical Engineering at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering (HCM-UTE). His research areas include performance enhancement, exhaust emissions, characteristics of internal combustion engines, improvement of electromagnetic valve systems (EMV), high-voltage batteries, and powertrain systems in electric vehicles.

Email: datlv@hcmute.edu.vn. ORCID:  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1490-8197.

Thanh Phuc Le, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering, Vietnam

Thanh Phuc Le received the B.E. degree in automotive engineering from Ho Chi Minh city University of Technology and Education, Vietnam, in 2004 (currently Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering or HCM-UTE) and the M.E. degree in automotive engineering from Ho Chi Minh city University of Technology and Education, Vietnam, in 2007 (currently Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering or HCM-UTE). He recieived PhD degree in mechanical engineering from Concordia University in Montreal Canada in 2013.

Email: phuclt@hcmute.edu.vn. ORCID:  https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0272-099X.

Quang Linh Truong, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering, Vietnam

Quang Linh Truong was born in Vietnam. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Automotive Engineering at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering (HCM-UTE) and is employed at Tan Phat ETEK Technology Joint Stock Company. His research interests include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles (EVs), the integration of Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) into EV powertrains, and the enhancement of CVT efficiency.

Email: 2430511@student.hcmute.edu.vn. ORCID:  https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4542-5895.

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Published

29-01-2026

How to Cite

[1]
T. Q. Le, B. H. Nguyen Kim, V. D. Ly, T. P. Le, and Q. L. Truong, “Impact of Transmission Configuration on Efficiency and Energy Recovery in Electric Vehicles: Published online: 29/01/2026”, JTE, Jan. 2026.