jim beam <nospam@example.net> wrote:

> you're talking apples & oranges. your vehicle is driven by an electric
> motor - you don't have a variable ratio transmission because you don't
> need it. the rpm's you're looking at are for the electric generator -
> which is mechanically entirely separate from the mechanical drive - and
> they stay fairly constant. why this is grounds to criticize variable
> ratio transmissions is something you still have to explain.

Three things wrong with your reply:
1- Unless you are calling a four speed a variable ratio, you are
misunderstanding my position. I favor the CVT over a normal automatic.
2- I do have a CVT: Constantly variable Transmission.
3- The electric motor is not "entirely separate from the mechanical drive".
It is tightly sandwiched between the engine and transmission and cannot
turn independently. The RPMs that I am observing are most certainly the
engine RPM. The electric motor never drives the car without the gas
engine.

<http://automobiles.honda.com/models/model_overview.asp?ModelName=Civic+Hybrid&bhcp=1>
"Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Standard "

"Specifically, the Civic Hybrid utilizes Honda's Integrated Motor Assist
(IMA) technology, which uses a 1.3-liter VTEC engine for primary power,
then an ultra-thin electric motor provides added power."

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Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley (Lake County) CA USA 38.8-122.5