The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators and five or six selectable torque-transfer devices. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged to provide an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse), four or more mechanically fixed forward speed ratios and at least one mechanical reverse speed ratio. The torque transfer 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, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, fixed forward mode and mechanical reverse mode.