An electrically variable transmission family having low-content, low-cost
electrically variable transmission mechanisms including three
differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving
interchangeably as motors or generators and five selectable
torque-transfer devices. The selectable torque transmitting devices are
engaged to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds and
five fixed speed ratios, including four mechanically fixed forward speed
ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The torque transmitting devices and
the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide six
operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including
battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, series reverse mode, launch
modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio
mode.