Article 2020 Bosch Update: New motors, 625Wh battery and more

[Rob Rides EMTB]

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 designAlmost 50% smaller, more compact design2.9 KG, 25% less weight than the outgoing modelStandard chainring mount at the front75Nm 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.

Smaller motor can reduce chain stays which were always on the long side on the outgoing model.



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...

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[MattyB]

Looks good, but I am a bit surprised they have decided to mandate a display. Maybe a more minimalist option will be coming down the road next year?

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Looks good, but I am a bit surprised they have decided to mandate a display. Maybe a more minimalist option will be coming down the road next year?

Yeah, interesting decision on the display.

 

[SquireRides]

The future is eMTB app stores! So you gotta mandate a screen if Bosch are going to sell you apps!

(Maybe)

 

[SquireRides]

The Focus bikes look great with Bosch 625Wh batteries!

But - extra-bonus-news - they have 750Wh batteries pared with Shimano motors!

Focus Bikes - JAM²

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

The Focus bikes look great with Bosch 625Wh batteries!

But - extra-bonus-news - they have 750Wh batteries pared with Shimano motors!

Focus Bikes - JAM²

Loads of bikes!! So many in the range!

 

[MattyB]

The Focus bikes look great with Bosch 625Wh batteries!

But - extra-bonus-news - they have 750Wh batteries pared with Shimano motors!

Focus Bikes - JAM²

Not really - looking at the spec sheet the Shimano bikes look the same as before i.e. it is 378Wh on the internal battery, 756Wh with the Tec pack added:

 

[SquireRides]

Not really - looking at the spec sheet the Shimano bikes look the same as before i.e. it is 378Wh on the internal battery, 756Wh with the Tec pack added:

View attachment 15027

I think they havent updated the spec sheet. The body text says 'now with mahoosive batteries' [paraphrased]

 

[knut7]

What, the new Focus Jam2 Plus has a chainstays length of 427mm!! It could seem Bosch has made the motor so compact it allows for geo even closer to conventional bikes.

Focus Bikes - JAM² 6.8 PLUS

It even says 427mm for the 29er version!
Focus Bikes - JAM² 6.7 NINE

Not too impressed with the bb drop though...

 

[Injidup]

I think they havent updated the spec sheet. The body text says 'now with mahoosive batteries' [paraphrased]

I think it means that they are selling off the remaining Shimano bikes with a free T.E.C pack.

 

[Doomanic]

Anti-tampering. Ooh, the fireroad heroes and commuters won’t like that one bit....

 

[R120]

Interesting that they are using the Bosch Motor in the more “accessible” EMTB’s but still using the Shimano in the higher end models. Guess it’s the cost of changing the carbon moulds.

Disappointed they haven’t changed/updated the display options. The Ebike—Mtb site review says its noisier than the shimano systems too, but due to a mechanical noise rather than motor one.

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

due to a mechanical noise rather than motor one.

Maybe like the Fazua... That really annoyed me that ratchet noise.

 

[Cinnamon]

Noisy + antituning = No Go.

 

[knut7]

Interesting that they are using the Bosch Motor in the more “accessible” EMTB’s but still using the Shimano in the higher end models. Guess it’s the cost of changing the carbon moulds.

I believe Focus has just done an early release of four Jam2's with Bosch, I guess there'll be more towards the end of the season.

Those two bikes are pretty different though. The new one has significantly shorter chainstays, a bit taller BB, it weighs like 1.5kg+ more. Will be interesting to see if Focus is giving up on the 384Wh non-detachable internal battery bikes.

 

[Doomanic]

it weighs like 1.5kg+ more

Bigger battery.

 

[Eckythump]

In the Singletrack Magazine YouTube videos of the Jam & Thon2 sound much quieter than my Shimano equipped one.

 

[Doomanic]

New Bosch Performance Line CX 2020 Motor in Test | E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine

 

[Eckythump]

 

[Doomanic]

Is there a picture of the battery plating label yet? I'd like to know if the new battery is actually 625Wh or approximately 625Wh like the 482Wh of the Powerpack 500...

 

[R120]

On the latest EMBN vid they do a noise comparison of the new vs old motors. It’s not quiet

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

On the latest EMBN vid they do a noise comparison of the new vs old motors. It’s not quiet

On the Live Show tonight I have a guest who has ridden it who can give more details

 

[R120]

My wife is just going to love me watching the live show whilst we are on holiday!

 

[Bomble]

Range sounds good.

"51.45 km / 1230 metres ascent – this is the range we managed to squeeze from the motor, always riding in the highest assistance mode until the battery was completely drained. "

 

[Eckythump]

On the latest EMBN vid they do a noise comparison of the new vs old motors. It’s not quiet

I saw that. It sounded whiny like my Shimano. On the Singletrack videos it sound much more like the recent Bosch CX bikes. A lower tone & quieter.

 

[Jamsxr]

New Bosch Performance Line CX 2020 Motor in Test | E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine

“Unfortunately, the loud metallic noise of the freewheel”

That’s annoying it’s noisy on the downhill.

 

[MattyB]

I'd accept the noise if they were trumpeting some additional sealing to improve reliability and alongside the other improvements. It is there the current motors really need to improve - let's be honest, none of them are exhibiting excellent long term reliability if you are doing true mountain biking with them. The failure rate on Brose is particularly frightening (every Levo owner I know has had at least one motor under warranty, some more), but Bosch's prev generation CX was not immune to issues either. I'd certainly accept a bit more size and weight over the current best in class in those departements for enhanced motor life.

 

[Jamsxr]

Personally I really don’t mind the noise from my Shimano, it only whines on steep climbs and that’s still not a big deal for me. I would happily not have it there but it’s no deal breaker, and based on internet rumblings, the Shimano motor seems like the most reliable - to be expected from the Japs!

I think the whine downhill as well as uphill would be a bit frustrating.

 

[Doomanic]

Is there a picture of the battery plating label yet? I'd like to know if the new battery is actually 625Wh or approximately 625Wh like the 482Wh of the Powerpack 500...

@Rob Hancill any pics of the new battery yet?

 

[knut7]

@Rob Hancill any pics of the new battery yet?

According to Bosch the new battery is 17,4Ah. That's 630Wh for a 36V battery. So, yeah, it isn't actually 625Wh Not sure why they decided to call it 625, most manufacturers seem to just go with the rated capacity by voltage to get the theoretical max capacity for their batteries, which is 630 in this case.
The eBike battery: long range, low weight, easy to charge (tech data at the bottom of the page)