Bosch Gen 4 Ebike Updates (More Torque, Improved eMTB Mode, Increased Power at Low Cadence, Navigation with Kiox, New Nyon for Europe & US)

webcurl

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[MODERATOR NINJA EDIT - Thanks for the post @webcurl] Hi guys! This is Court, I'm hijacking the first comment to add some research I did and press materials that Bosch sent. North America had a different press embargo from Europe. Basically, there's a free software update "this summer 2020" for 4th generation ebike motors from Bosch (Performance Line CX and Speed, Cargo Line and Cargo Line Speed). Which adds power when starting, increases peak torque from 75nm to 85nm, and refines eMTB mode to extend power "Extended Boost"... for those moments when you're between downward pedal strokes. Kiox will also be updated to sync with navigation on smartphones, showing your route. The updates are free from Bosch, but shops may charge a fee to perform them... they should take under 30 minutes to do. The update should make hitting and maintaining 28mph easier for both speed motors.

Ongoing, Bosch will offer these 7 drive units:
  1. Active Line
  2. Active Line Plus
  3. Performance Line
  4. Performance Line CX
  5. Performance Line Speed
  6. Cargo Line
  7. Cargo Line Speed
Key takeaways:
  • None of the ongoing drive units will use the reduction gearing system... this means that you get smooth decoupling and no motor drag (as we saw with Gen 2 Bosch drive units). It also makes swapping chainring sizes and types much easier compared to the older proprietary chainrings.
  • Generation 4 Performance Line motors (Speed, CX, Cargo, Cargo Speed) will utilize standard ISIS splined spindles vs. the BNI (Bosch Narrow ISIS) that Gen 3 used.
  • Bosch will continue to offer the following ebike batteries:
    • Bosch PowerTube 400, 500, 625 (vertical and horizontal)
    • Bosch PowerPack 400, 500 (downtube and rear rack type)
  • Bosch will continue to offer the following displays: Purion, Intuvia, Kiox, Nyon (Much larger and easier to read than Kiox for navigation).
  • For Europeans, there's a new version of Nyon which is visually different, has a touch interface, and is more water and dust resistant.
  • Performance Line motors will continue to offer 120+ RPM motor support (meaning the chainring will rotate fast enough to support 120+ pedal strokes per minute without dropping power).
  • I was told that Gen 4 motors will continue to work just fine without this optional software update and that users can choose Sport or eMTB mode.
In addition to the 4th generation software update, Bosch announced some 10-year anniversary ebikes from Cannondale, CUBE, and Moustache. Here are some of the videos I have been making for each topic that was shared:



 

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Nice, looks like it updates the gen4 motors to 85 nm of torque.

Also a little more info there about the upcoming Nyon:
Bosch revises its NYON display. The new Nyon 2021 comes in a modern and portrait format with a 3.2 inch gorilla display with 384 × 464 pixels. It's like a “big kiox” with enhanced connectivity and improved routing. Interfaces to Strava and Komoot improve route planning. The new Noyn can either be mounted on the handlebar or on the stem.
 
Gen 4 motors use different sensor systems and it provides very smooth power application. With the new update, it would make it even more sportier.
E-MTB channel put out this new video.



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New Nyon


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More torque
The most striking innovation of the Bosch Performance CX Update that is directly visible on paper is the increased torque to a maximum of 85 Newton meters . These 10 Newton meters lie as a plateau over a very wide cadence range . "This makes it easier to master unpredictable driving situations," explains Claus Fleischer, Managing Director of Bosch eBike Systems. The starting behavior and acceleration should also be noticeably improved by the torque increased to a maximum of 85 Newton meters . Especially in Turbo and eMTB mode.

Almost a new engine

We asked Claus Fleischer why the Generation 4 engine should now be the ideal drive system after the Bosch Performance CX Update . “The drive comes up with maximum thermal stability and extremely high efficiency. Thanks to perfectly coordinated software and sensors, the often complicated individualization of software characteristics is no longer necessary. With regular updates, combined with our award-winning service, we offer e-mountain bikers the opportunity to experience a new dimension of driving pleasure over the long term . ”

BOSCH only specifies “ Summer 2020 ” as the release date for the software update for the model year . Rumor has it that from late July to early August. It will be a hot summer, it seems. Bosch really heats up the competition with the software update. The good virtues of the new CX should all be preserved and the strengths expanded even further. The difference between CX Gen4 without and CX Gen4 with update is comparable to the development from the "Performance Line" to the "Performance Line CX". Identical on the outside - strengthened internally by 10 Nm and with a more convincing character . If you compare the software adaptation accordingly, it represents an equally big leap in development. That's why you almost want to talk about a new engine.


The new Bosch Performance CX Update for 2021 is available for all e-bikes with Bosch Generation 4 motor from model year 2020. It can simply be installed by the specialist dealer. The maximum torque is also increased to 85 Newton meters for the Cargo Line, Cargo Line Speed and Performance Line Speed drive systems.

1593102425255.png
 
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Press release on software update from Bosch:

https://www.bosch-presse.de/pressportal/de/en/extra-power-for-drive-units-214016.html



I do, however, see some potentially contradictory information that has me a bit confused, since it states both:

"...Bosch eBike Systems is providing software updates for Cargo Line, Cargo Line Speed, Performance Line Speed and Performance Line CX (from model year 2020 onwards)."

...and later in the press release:

"Software updates for Cargo Line and Performance Line CX (from model year 2020 onwards) will be installable by specialist retailers starting in summer 2020. Cargo bikes with Cargo Speed and S-pedelecs with Performance Speed drive units cannot be retrofitted."

I'm hoping they are only referring to Performance Speed drive units prior to Model Year 2020. I would really like to get this update on the model year 2020 performance speed motor.
 
I'm hoping they are only referring to Performance Speed drive units prior to Model Year 2020. I would really like to get this update on the model year 2020 performance speed motor.
Hey @gringo my understanding is that the software update only works for the newer units with a full sized chainring... and not the standard Performance Line that looks like the new Active Line motors... It can get a little confusing, Bosch has many units now and the names and generations are being mixed with model years... Anyway, I hope this helps ;)
 
Thanks @Court!

I'm really hoping this is the case since the MY20 performance line speed does have the full size chainring (unlike the MY19, which had the 2.5x reduction gear).

I'm thinking of bikes with the MY20 Bosch with full size chainring like the:

Trek Allant+ 7s/8s/9.9s

And the:

Bulls Urban EVO 10, etc.


Exciting news from Bosch!
 
Press release on software update from Bosch:

https://www.bosch-presse.de/pressportal/de/en/extra-power-for-drive-units-214016.html



I do, however, see some potentially contradictory information that has me a bit confused, since it states both:



...and later in the press release:



I'm hoping they are only referring to Performance Speed drive units prior to Model Year 2020. I would really like to get this update on the model year 2020 performance speed motor.

Hi there! I'm Jocelyn from the Bosch team in North America. The contradictory information you're seeing is most likely a NA press release vs a European press release. Good news, in the US, dealers will be able to apply the software update to Gen 4 Cargo Line Speed and Performance Line Speed with no problem because we don't have a licensing process with Class 3 - 28mph eBikes.
 
Hey @gringo my understanding is that the software update only works for the newer units with a full sized chainring... and not the standard Performance Line that looks like the new Active Line motors... It can get a little confusing, Bosch has many units now and the names and generations are being mixed with model years... Anyway, I hope this helps ;)
So a 2020 trek allant 8+s with the gen 4 performance speed can get the software update?
 
Hi there! I'm Jocelyn from the Bosch team in North America. The contradictory information you're seeing is most likely a NA press release vs a European press release. Good news, in the US, dealers will be able to apply the software update to Gen 4 Cargo Line Speed and Performance Line Speed with no problem because we don't have a licensing process with Class 3 - 28mph eBikes.
Is the update available right now at my local Bosch certified technician ?
 
Good to have you here Jocelyn. I have on order a Riese & Muller HS Charger3 Rohloff. Since it’s a Performance Line Speed (Gen4) I assume that’s software update eligible? Thanks very much!
What a fun bike! Yes, Gen 4 Performance Line Speed is compatible. By the time your bike arrives, hopefully your shop will have the software update in hand.
 
What a fun bike! Yes, Gen 4 Performance Line Speed is compatible. By the time your bike arrives, hopefully your shop will have the software update in hand.
With much thanks. I commend Bosch (and you) for making you available in these forums. A great way to get info out to the user-base and shows brand commitment that is a valuable selling point for consumers. It reaffirms my purchase decision.
 
Hi there! I'm Jocelyn from the Bosch team in North America. The contradictory information you're seeing is most likely a NA press release vs a European press release. Good news, in the US, dealers will be able to apply the software update to Gen 4 Cargo Line Speed and Performance Line Speed with no problem because we don't have a licensing process with Class 3 - 28mph eBikes.
Hi Jocelyn,

what about Nyon2? A promo for it was shown in LV but now it’s Europe-only? 😔😔😔
 
Court just posted this video with his comments.
Bosch E-bike CEO , Claus explains how the navigation systems work on Kiox. He also explains the "connected" features.


 
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