Bosch Unveils 2024 E-Bike Hardware and Software: Silent Power and Automatic Shifting

Folks, the new year is nearly upon us, and because the mobility industry closely mimics the automotive one, we're starting to see next year's goods. One crew that's heavily active in this industry, even going as far as having shaped it, is Bosch, but their e-bike sector. Having been around since 2009, it makes sense that this crew has formed much of this industry into what it is today alongside giants such as Bafang and Yamaha.

Well, they're at it again because the new year has brought with it not only new motor systems but new controllers, larger batteries, and, best of all, some software that aims to take cycling to the next level in terms of comfort, control, and capability. If you're aware of my previous discussions with Bosch eBike, then you have some idea of what we're up against. After all, they've been working on e-bike ABS, for god's sake, but this is next-level stuff.

As I mentioned, Bosch has been busy, and for the new year, they're unveiling a total of three new motors and even one or two that seem to be in limited stock. Two of the new systems seem to be targeting a different industry, the urban riding sector, because the Active Line and Active Line Plus motors include just 40 Nm (29.5 ft-lb) and 50 Nm (37 ft-lb) of torque, respectively. Best of all, they're "super quiet," can automatically adjust support levels, and can even support the ABS Touring, a system of hardware and software that ensure an optimum braking experience.

But, there's a rogue motor in the mix too, the new Performance Line SX, apparently, Bosch's "lightest drive unit," adding only up to 2 kg (4.4 lbs) of extra weight to your bike. Where does this little powerhouse belong? According to the manufacturer, it should feel right at home, no matter the type of cycling you aim for. From MTB to gravel and even urban bikes, all have a place for the new SX. Overall, this puppy peaks out at 600 W and brings 55 Nm (40.5 ft-lb) of torque to the game. Oh, a new Sprint Mode also unlocks "dynamic support" according to your pedal cadence. In all, up to 340% of support is cranked out by this bugger. Be sure to check out the CX Race Limited Edition motor, too; it's a beast of a machine and looks amazing on just about any bike it's added to.

Next up, four different controllers have been unveiled. There's the Kiox 500 and 300 with new eBike Flow app updates, a fresh Purion 200 unit, and best of all, Bosch is trying to ride the e-gravel wave with the Mini Remote Dropbar, a unit considered an additional control panel for those that ride with drop-bars. Take the time to see what they're all about because there seems to be a little something-something for everyone.

Now, all of this wouldn't mean anything if Bosch hadn't also been working on some new battery systems. The newest additions to the family are the PowerPack 400 Frame, the PowerPack 400 and 500 Rack, and the CompactTube 400, with the lightest being the CompactTube 400, an integrated battery that adds just 2.0 kg (4.4 lbs) to your two-wheeler. Since it's part of Bosch's Smart System, its range can be optimized with various software and controllers, all tuned to your liking. But my favorite addition for 2024 is the PowerMore 250, a little water bottle-sized pack with 250 watts of extra juice for when you know there's a long road ahead. Oh, there's also a lighter and more powerful charger in the lineup, but who cares about that?

Last but not least, let's see what sort of apps and software this crew has unveiled. It's essential to do so because most of how the Bosch ecosystem has risen to such industry power isn't just with hardware; there are brains behind the brawn! You've already gotten to know the ABS hardware, but Bosch is back with updates to their software, too, working out some of the kinks they may have experienced since unveiling the goods last year.

But, there are two essential features we need to look at, and that's the Sprint Mode I mentioned and something called eShift. The former is for getting a bit of extra power and support while hitting steep climbs or lung-splitting sprints, but eShift is something else entirely.

To understand what eShift is, I want you to imagine that you know nothing about shifting a bicycle. If that's the case, all you have to do is get on and start pedaling, and the eShift system takes care of the rest. Two types of shifting can be accessed, assisted shifts, where the software handles the optimum cadence for the smoothest shifting possible, or automatic shifting, where, well, you can guess what happens here. The downside is that these babies only seem to work with internal gearboxes, the likes of Rohloff and Enviolo.

Well, folks, if you have any doubts that the e-bike industry is here to stay, you can take Bosch's initiative as a clear direction toward where things are headed; e-bikes are here to stay.