Bosch have just dropped what looks like the biggest bunch of EMTB updates ever seen. New motors, batteries, software, anti tuning and more! First the headlines, read on for the full update.
Bosch 2020 Gen4 CX Motor
- All new motor design
- Almost 50% smaller, more compact design
- 2.9 KG, 25% less weight than the outgoing model
- Standard chainring mount at the front
- 75Nm Max Torque
The big news is that Bosch have an all new EMTB motor. Aimed at ‘sporty’ riding (guess that means the more hardcore e-mountain bikers!), the motor is a lot smaller, lighter and gives a better power distribution across a much wider cadence range.
Bosch claim the the motor offers up to 340% support, so that makes it’s peak power output around 850 watts, with a torque output of 75Nm. Interestingly that’s still a bit short of the Brose Mag S (90Nm / 410% support) and the TQ 120 (120Nm).
The motor completely decouples after the 25Km EU limit, so draggy motors of the past should become a non issue.
But Bosch have a large market share already with many bike brands using the older model so no doubt this year we will see a huge number of EMTB’s adopt this new motor. Bosch is a huge player in the Ebike market and this motor will be a big deal.
In addition to the Performance CX motor Bosch have also developed new Cargo motors, and ‘regular’ motors, for more touring oriented ebikes.
New 625Wh PowerTube Battery
Larger batteries seem to be high in demand and Bosch will not be missing out here. An all new 625Wh PowerTube battery and a lighter, 400Wh PowerTube are being introduced today. There are 2 options for installing the battery: horizontally or vertically.
With Specialized offering a 700Wh battery for the 2019 Levo, YT promising a 700Wh battery for their new Decoy… You gotta go big or go home it seems for 2020. Bosch are pretty much joining that party too, with a 25% increase over the older 500Wh batteries.
So that leaves three batteries to choose from (they will still retain the 500Wh PowerTube battery). Frame designers and bike manufacturers will be able to choose from 3 sizes for 2020 bikes. No doubt most customers will want the 625Wh, in line with current trends.
Anti Tuning Measures
Let’s face it. Ebike hacking is a big deal to bike manufacturers. They just cannot afford to have bikes open to hacking. Loss of trail access, insurance / registration issues, the list goes on. Negative press? Already clickbait articles are starting to appear in the mainstream press; look at these kind of articles that are being published . Bosch have taken a firm stance to Ebike tuning:
For model year 2020, Bosch eBike Systems is launching software that recognises eBike tuning and consequently reduces support. This solution is the Bosch response to a requirement included in the current European standard (EN 15194: 2017) for electric motor-supported bicycles, marking another important step in the fight against tuning.
Bosch Press Release
Bosch eBike Systems has developed software that uses a sensor to detect whether the pedelec has been tuned. If the software recognises that the drive has been manipulated, the eBike automatically switches to limp home mode.
After the third time, limp home mode can only be deactivated by a specialist dealer using the Bosch DiagnosticTool. Bosch feel that this deterrent reduces riding enjoyment and discourages manipulation. The software will be installed in all Bosch eBike drive systems from model year 2020 onwards.
Fox E-Live Valve electronic suspension
Bosch has teamed up with FOX to offer ebikers an electronically controllable suspension designed for maximum performance on the trail. FOX E-Live Valve can be easily controlled via the Kiox on-board computer. There are five manually adjustable modes for different riding situations.
Using a sophisticated system of sensors, the E-Live Valve determines the conditions of the terrain 1,000 times per second and adjusts the fork and rear shock accordingly within fractions of a second. This means that the eMountain biker can always be sure of the ideal suspension setting and can concentrate fully on the trail. Power is supplied to the eSuspension by the Bosch eBike battery.
Whilst I’m intrigued with how it works and the actual benefits that it brings on the trail I can’t help notice the additional fuss it created with settings, cables and weight to the bike. We’ll have to see real ride reports to see if it has much riding benefit.
Display? Yep. You have to have one
It seems that all future Bosch Ebikes will have to have either a Kiox or Nyon display. For riders who prefer a minimalist design (or no display) you might be disappointed. There are a couple of cool features though. The display acts as a digital key for the bike via a ‘premium lock’ function. Its essentially a key for the bike and it will be useless without it. Just don’t lose it! The ‘Lock’ functionality will be a €9.99 software add-on to the Kiox display pictured below.
Bosch eBike systems have been huge players in the growth of the Ebike scene over the past 10 years and its growing at such a rapid pace. From next year, Bosch eBike Systems will be transformed into its own independent division, separating from the Automotive Electronics division that it has been part of since its inception.
With the huge amount of updates that Bosch has announced today we can expect a whole host of new EMTB’s to be announced off the back of it. We’ll have all the details as soon as we hear more.
