E-Performance: With the Bosch Powertube 625 and Powertube 400, the southern German e-bike giant is presenting two new integrated batteries for the 2020 model year. While the 625Wh variant is slightly larger and heavier than the well-known Powertube 500, the Powertube 400 variant is fully backwards compatible.
Whenever e-bike drives are talked about and written about, the motor is usually in the spotlight. The secret stars of the show, however, are the batteries: if they don't reliably supply enough energy, even the best motor suddenly runs out of breath and the tour ends prematurely. Dimensions, weight and assembly also determine the handling of the entire system and give the frame designers more or less freedom. Bosch's integrated Powertube batteries are equally popular with drivers and manufacturers - at least after the initial supply bottlenecks were overcome. However, until now they had one small disadvantage: There was only one option for capacity, namely the Powertube 500 with 500Wh. This will now change for 2020 and in addition to a 625Wh battery, a smaller 400Wh alternative is also available.
Bosch Powertube 625: Higher capacity, larger dimensions, more weight
At the presentation of the new 625Wh battery, Bosch eBike Systems CEO Claus Fleischer also spoke in general about the lithium ion batteries currently used in e-bikes. The technology is technically exhausted as far as possible, which is why major leaps in development are unlikely in the near future. Therefore, more capacity inevitably goes hand in hand with higher weight and additional installation space. This is also reflected in the new Powertube 625: With a length of 41,6 cm, it is more than 6 cm longer than the Powertube 500 battery and also weighs 600 g more (3,5 kg). That also means: Previous bikes with a Powertube 500 battery cannot be retrofitted with the 625Wh battery.

Bosch Powertube 400: Compatible with previous Powertube battery
The 400Wh variant is a little different: in terms of weight and dimensions, it is the same as the well-known Powertube battery and can therefore also be installed in existing e-bikes with an integrated Bosch battery. Of course, it is also an inexpensive alternative for bike manufacturers for stylish city and urban bikes, which are mostly used for short distances anyway. Due to its noticeably lower price in the aftermarket, the new battery is also an attractive option as a second or replacement battery.
Bosch E-Bike News 2020: All new products at a glance:

Product news: Bosch E-Bike 2020: New CX motor, cargo drive and more
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