Bosch eBike Systems has given its mid-range drive lineup a substantial update. The new generation of the Active Line Plus — the motor found on countless city, trekking and everyday e-bikes across Europe — delivers up to 60 Nm of torque, a peak output of 600 watts and support of up to 340 percent. That’s a meaningful step up for a drive unit traditionally positioned below the Performance Line, and it should make riding under load, on hills or with cargo noticeably more dynamic.
Just as important is what Bosch took away: weight. At roughly 2.7 kg, the new unit is about 500 grams lighter than its predecessor, and it’s more compact too, which should simplify integration into modern frames. The motor is compatible with Bosch’s eShift automated shifting, handing gear changes over to the system for riders who want a fully hands-off drivetrain.
Alongside the motor, Bosch introduced the PowerTube 720, a 720 Wh in-tube battery weighing around 3.9 kg. The company claims ranges of up to 185 km depending on assist mode, terrain and conditions. The compact format allows deep integration in the down tube, lowering the center of gravity — a detail that matters most on heavily loaded bikes, exactly the use case SUV and trekking e-bikes are built for.
While the Active Line Plus targets urban riders first, the combination of more torque, less weight and a large-capacity battery hints at where Bosch’s whole smart system is heading: stronger everyday drives with touring-grade range.
Source: IMTEST