The Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay has always been a range champion. At least with the optional large 625 Wh battery. However, once you'd run out of powder beyond 1500 metres in altitude, that was the end of it. This is because, due to the design, you can't even just change the permanently installed battery.
For touring bikers who want to go higher, there is now the Overtimepack. The specially shaped range extender fits perfectly into the frame triangle of Rocky Mountain's e-mountainbikes. It is attached to the bottle cage mount using a bolt mechanism and the connecting cable is plugged into the charging socket on the frame. This provides an additional 330 watt hours. Together with the 625 built-in watt hours, the Powerplay in this combination then provides almost 1000 watt hours. The additional weight remains moderate: the battery and cable weigh 1962 grams. The bracket then adds another 80 grams. If you want, you can leave the bracket permanently on the frame, and the additional battery can be flange-mounted with a bolt in just a few seconds using a 5 mm Allen key. However, you will then have to do without the bottle cage in the frame triangle.
The system is designed so that the motor first drains the additional battery and then the main battery. The batteries are charged simultaneously via a socket on the range extender. Of course, the additional battery can also be charged separately, for example in a hotel room. Another special feature is that the Overtimepack can also be used as a replacement charger. This means that the main battery can even be charged while travelling. However, 2.5 Overtimepack charges are required to fully charge the main battery (charging time Overtimepack: approx. two hours).
Practical test of the Powerplay additional battery
In the EMTB practical test, the Range Extender proves to be an efficient helper for long tours. The add-on battery is quickly fitted when required and sits securely in the frame triangle without rattling. On a long day tour in the Dolomites, we managed over 2000 metres in altitude, mostly in the two upper support levels. While with other e-bikes you have to carry the second battery in your rucksack, the weight of the Altitude sits low down on the frame. The low centre of gravity also ensures riding stability and safety. At the moment, our Altitude test bike and overtime pack are on the EMTB test benches to determine the exact reach height and battery performance. You can find the results in EMTB issue 4/20 - in stores from 18 August.
In addition to the overtime pack, the Canadians have also tweaked the capacity and charging time of the main battery. All 2021 Powerplay models now have 672 instead of the previous 625 watt hours (or 500 in the affordable version). The charging time from zero to full is a remarkable 3.5 hours with the new battery, and 80 per cent charge level is reached after just 2:10 hours. However, if you want to retrofit the new main battery, you will have to fork out 999 euros.
The Overtimepack can be retrofitted to most Powerplay models for 680 euros. The following table shows a detailed compatibility overview.
