Quote:
Originally Posted by MrCrank
The drive train has a continuously-variable transmission in it (CVT). The computer controls the RPM of the engine via the setting of the CVT and the throttle and attempts to optimize the torque output for the load demand.
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I try to be very careful about using the term CVT when describing how the system works.
To someone with experience with an actual CVT they would find that it drives very similarly. But technically you can't call it a CVT. Much less even calling it a transmission!
There are two places I have seen a good explanation of the system. The first one is a side-bar article in the January 2004 Motor Trend. The 2004 Prius was their car of the year. In the side-bar they gave a good explanation without getting too technical.
The other place is here:
http://prius.ecrostech.com/original/PriusFrames.htm
Click on "understanding the Prius" on the sidebar. In there Graham Davies explains how the Prius system works.
Except for a few minor differences, Ford uses the exact same architecture as Toyota does in their hybrids. So learning about how the Prius works will give you a very good understanding of how your Escape works.