Bosch firmware updateNever run out of battery again!

Adrian Kaether

 · 02.07.2024

If Bosch's new software proves its worth, range anxiety on long journeys should soon be a thing of the past.
Photo: Greber / Skyshot
Bosch is constantly releasing exciting new features for its CX and SX e-bike motors via firmware updates. This time, the Swabian company is primarily addressing the issue of range with the new Range Control function and Eco+ mode.

The last major update package for Bosch motors was only released this spring. A new dynamic display and freely selectable driving modes in the app brought real added value to users of Bosch's "Smart System" at no additional cost. At the same time as the new automatic shifting system in collaboration with TRP, the Swabians are now adding new algorithms for existing Bosch users under the heading of AI. The Eurobike update package centres on the topic of range, but Bosch also wants to improve the naturalness and riding experience with the new firmware.



Range Control: Never be left with an empty battery again

The most exciting new function is likely to be the Range Control feature. If a tour is planned in Bosch's E-Bike Flow app or imported via Komoot or Strava, the algorithm provides information on whether the current battery charge is sufficient for the tour and approximately how much assistance can be called up. It is even possible to hand over control of the level of support to the smart system. To do this, you can set a desired remaining battery level in per cent at the end of the tour. The motor then regulates the level of assistance so that the amount of battery remaining at the end of the ride is the same as previously set.

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If Bosch's new software proves its worth, range anxiety on long journeys should soon be a thing of the past.Photo: Greber / SkyshotIf Bosch's new software proves its worth, range anxiety on long journeys should soon be a thing of the past.

In practice, this means that the driver no longer has to juggle Eco and Tour+ mode on long journeys to prevent a prematurely empty battery. Instead, Bosch's new algorithm takes over this task. Factors such as rider weight, pedalling power, surface conditions and gradient are to be included in the calculation. Bosch also promises that the system will be able to learn and adapt to the rider's habits over several rides. In this way, the control of the assistance should be even more precise in the long term.

More bike, less e-bike: the new Eco+ mode

Bosch is also introducing an optional new riding mode called Eco+. This is intended to close the gap between light bikes and classic bikes. Here, the motor only provides assistance when it is really needed. For example, if you pedal steadily on flat terrain with a low pedalling load, the assistance switches off. If the rider's power output rises above an adjustable threshold when climbing or accelerating, the motor also helps out again. This is intended to provide a particularly natural riding experience and an even greater range than the previous Eco mode. This should be particularly interesting for lightweight bikes with the Performance SX motor.

The new Bosch firmware is available immediately and the update is carried out "over the air" as usual via the E-Bike Flow app.

With the new Eco+ mode, e-MTBs should feel even more like classic bikes. This is particularly interesting for bikes with an SX motor.Photo: Max FuchsWith the new Eco+ mode, e-MTBs should feel even more like classic bikes. This is particularly interesting for bikes with an SX motor.

Adrian Kaether's favourite thing to do is ride mountain bikes on bumpy enduro trails. The tech expert and bike tester knows all about Newton metres and watt hours, high and low-speed damping. As test manager at MYBIKE, Adrian also likes to think outside the box and tests cargo bikes and step-through bikes as well as the latest (e-)MTBs.

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