This article describes how an electrical variable transmission (EVT) can be used as alternative for mechanical continuously variable transmission (CVT) systems. An EVT is an electromagnetic power split device having two mechanical and two electrical ports. The speed ratio between both mechanical ports (rotors) can be varied in a continuously variable way, so that this machine can be used as electromagnetic alternative for the mechanical pushbelt and half-toroidal CVT. Its operating principle is based on splitting the power into an electromagnetic direct path and an electrical path involving two inverters connected back-to-back. Its potential use as CVT is investigated by comparing experimental data against toroidal and belt CVT data from literature having comparable power ratings. To this end measurements are performed on a prototype 120 kW permanent magnet EVT.