Another new TQ motor: hpr40

[apctjb]

• Some TQ News....
• TQ Behind-the-Scenes / Sensor Architecture — Velomotion published a factory tour this week clarifying TQ's unconventional sensor approach: no torque sensor in the traditional sense. Instead, strain gauges are mounted on the BB axle bearings, with a real-time algorithm that extracts torque, pedaling asymmetry, and standing vs. seated position. Explains the HPR50's unusually natural power delivery. No firmware changes announced.
  Velomotion: TQ Home Visit, April 2026
• TQ HPR60 — Motor Group Test Published — Specs confirmed in independent testing: 60 Nm / 350W peak / 1.92 kg (70g heavier than HPR50). Battery compatibility now spans three options: 290 Wh, 360 Wh, and 580 Wh — a material improvement over HPR50's single 360 Wh option. Retrofit into Trek Fuel EXe frames confirmed, but firmware-capped at 300W to prevent thermal overload in a chassis not designed for full HPR60 output.
  E-MOUNTAINBIKE: HPR60 Group Test | MBR: Trek Fuel+ / HPR60 retrofit E-MOUNTAINBIKE: HPR60 Group Test
• TQ HPR50 Reliability Analysis Published — CyclOnline published an analysis of failure modes in deployed HPR50/HPR120S units. Primary failure modes: (1) one-way clutch failure — cranks spin freely, motor mechanically decoupled; (2) heat-related degradation. No official recall from TQ. The HPR60's updated thermal management is a direct response to field data from the HPR50 population.
  CyclOnline: TQ Motor Issues Analysis

 

[mschwett]

• Some TQ News....
• TQ Behind-the-Scenes / Sensor Architecture — Velomotion published a factory tour this week clarifying TQ's unconventional sensor approach: no torque sensor in the traditional sense. Instead, strain gauges are mounted on the BB axle bearings, with a real-time algorithm that extracts torque, pedaling asymmetry, and standing vs. seated position. Explains the HPR50's unusually natural power delivery. No firmware changes announced.…

this is interesting, and similar to the way mahle’s x20 bottom bracket torque sensor works. unfortunately it’s very inaccurate on those bikes, i wonder if the TQ version is better! it’s a very minimal and cost effective approach.

 

[stompandgo]

If I had an ISIS left side power meter, I'd test the accuracy of the motor human power input.

 

[apctjb]

It makes sense that the system firmware would have to be updated to enable OTA updates, and the DST is how it's done.

“OTA Bootloader Support… prerequisite for enabling future OTA update capabilities for HPR40, HPR50, and HPR60 systems.”

Yes, it appears that legacy TQ motors will need a firmware update via service dongle prior to being able to receive OTA updates...