A metal pushing belt—planetary gear continuously variable transmission (CVT) was presented. It permitted to enlarge the ratio spread of the CVT and simultaneously ensured a better transmission efficiency. The XP type single loop system with a clockwise power circulation was selected. A metal pushing belt—planetary gear CVT was designed. Its transmission ratio was ranged from 0.5 to 3, the circulation power was less than 33% of the system input power. The metal pushing belt CVT and the XP type with clockwise power circulation CVT efficiency characteristics were contrasted. Through mode switching, the metal pushing belt—planetary gear CVT could effectively optimize the transmission efficiency. Taking Matlab/Simulink as a platform, the simulation model of the vehicle was established. Given UDDS driving cycles, using the best fuel economy control strategy for the engine, the simulation results showed that throughout UDDS driving cycle，at low speed and high torque, the operating mode was the clockwise power circulation pattern;at high speed, the operating mode was CVT pattern, the metal pushing belt—planetary gear CVT can reconcile transmission ratio range and transmission efficiency. During mode switch, the power flow direction of the continuously variable branch was invariable, which effectively prevented the system vibration.