There have been rumors within the industry for some time that Bosch is considering entering the electric drive business for vehicles. This is not surprising, as Bosch already manufactures numerous electronic components for the automotive industry and already has a lot of experience in the production of small, resilient motors and compact batteries from electric tool production - know-how that can be easily transferred to e-mobility.

With the current boom in electric bikes, it is not particularly surprising that Cannondale does not want to be left behind in the long term. The US company has a strong foothold in Europe, where electric bikes are much more popular than on the American home market. And since Cannondale became part of the Dorel conglomerate, the company has already sent out several signals that it wants to be at the forefront of innovation again - the ultralight mountain bike Flash and the electronically controlled suspension fork prototype Simon send their regards. Insiders have already linked the Americans with the Swabians from Bosch, even if Cannondale has so far kept an ironclad silence on the rumors.

Compact, powerful drive
Now Bosch has let the cat out of the bag: In a press release published today, the electronics group announces its entry into the e-mobility business. The drive system comprises an electric motor, control unit, gearbox, sensors and battery pack as well as an operating computer to control the assistance. According to Bosch, the modular drive system should be very light and compact, which will give bike manufacturers plenty of scope in terms of design and battery placement.

Three sensors for pedal force, cadence and riding speed are designed to ensure that the motor provides the right amount of assistance when pedaling depending on the situation. In addition, the rider can select the level of assistance to their liking in four stages. Bosch uses Li-Ion technology for the battery, which has already proven itself thousands of times over in the Ixo cordless screwdrivers. Bosch is being very sparing with details about the motor, stating only that it should be powerful and have a low center of gravity on the bike, which will ensure good riding performance. The market launch of the electric drive will be accompanied by a service concept that guarantees the global supply of spare parts and includes a service hotline and training courses for manufacturers and specialist retailers.

Already several customers
Cannondale has contributed its bicycle technology expertise to the development of the Bosch drive. The company will also be one of the first to bring e-bikes with the Bosch system onto the market. Bosch is announcing the public premiere of these vehicles at the upcoming Eurobike in September. In addition to Cannondale, other manufacturers are also set to present their first models with the new electric drive. Scott, Specialized and Cube are mentioned as possible partners. However, the companies mentioned are still keeping a low profile and do not want to confirm or deny the rumors. The electric bikes with Bosch technology are expected to be available to buy from the 2011 season.www.bosch-ebike.com
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