E-BIKE BATTERY EXPLAINED: RANGE AND CHOOSING THE RIGHT BATTERY
CUBE e-bikes are powered by a Bosch drive system. This system ensures that you move forward comfortably and efficiently. The drivetrain consists of all components that contribute to the propulsion of your bike: from the pedal mechanism and gears to the motor and battery of your e-bike. At CUBE, the motor and battery always work together as one unit. However, each component has its own function. In this blog, we explain the difference between the motor and the battery, and help you discover which battery capacity best suits your needs.
Difference between motor and battery: who does what?
If you are looking for an e-bike, you will quickly come across the terms motor and battery. They are often mentioned in the same breath, but they do something completely different. The motor is the power source of your electric bike. At CUBE, it is located as a mid-drive motor near the bottom bracket. This provides natural assistance, stable road holding, and good balance on the bike. The motor continuously measures how much force you apply and adjusts the assistance accordingly.
The battery is the energy source. It stores the power that the motor uses to assist you. Without a battery, there is no assistance. In short: the motor provides the propulsion, and the battery determines how long you can use that assistance.
What does Wh mean for an e-bike battery?
The capacity of an e-bike battery is expressed in Wh, or watt-hours. This indicates how much energy a battery can store. Within the CUBE range, you will find battery capacities such as: 400 Wh, 545 Wh, 600 Wh, and 800 Wh. The battery capacity directly affects your range: the number of kilometers you can cycle on a single charge. The higher the Wh, the greater the range. A higher capacity means you can cycle longer without needing to recharge. Do you mainly use your e-bike in the city? Then a lighter battery is often sufficient. If you plan to cycle longer distances or want to recharge less often, a larger battery is a smart choice.
At CUBE, most batteries are neatly integrated into the frame. This ensures a modern look and stable road holding. In many cases, they are also removable, so you can easily charge the battery indoors. This is not only practical but also reduces the risk of theft. Please note: for some models, such as the Editor Hybrid, the battery is an exception and not removable. Don't worry that your bike will be stolen more easily. With the Bosch Flow App, you can block the motor and battery as soon as you are away from your bike.
Bosch PowerTube, CompactTube and PowerPack explained
Bosch works with different battery types, each with its own application.
- PowerTube: this battery is fully integrated into the frame. This is the most popular option within the CUBE range and ensures a sleek look and optimal battery protection.
- CompactTube: Fully integrated and compact battery. Lightweight and neatly concealed in the frame. Primarily used on sporty and urban CUBE e-bikes. This battery is usually not removable.
- PowerPack: a battery mounted on or to the frame. This is always removable. This type is mainly found in models where flexibility and ease of use are central.
Which battery suits your use?
When choosing the right e-bike, it's important to consider your usage. Do you mainly make short trips to work, school, or the supermarket? Then a battery with lower capacity is often sufficient. Do you regularly go on longer tours or use your e-bike intensively for commuting? Then a larger battery, such as 600 Wh or 800 Wh, is a better choice. You will need to charge less often and have more freedom on the road.
Are you unsure which battery suits you best? We are happy to help you with personal advice. This way, you can be sure to choose an e-bike that meets your wishes and daily rides.
Calculate e-bike range
The range of an e-bike depends on multiple factors. Think of your riding style, tire pressure, assistance level, wind, temperature, and terrain. Under ideal conditions, you can expect:
- 400 Wh up to approximately 75 km
- 545 Wh up to approximately 100 km
- 600 Wh up to approximately 120 km
- 800 Wh up to approximately 160 km
Do you want to know exactly what your range is? Use the Bosch range calculator. With this, you can easily calculate how many kilometers you can cycle in your situation.
Need advice? Visit CUBE Stores
Choosing the right battery makes a big difference to your cycling enjoyment. Whether you make short daily trips or plan long tours, we are happy to help you make the right choice. In our CUBE Store, you can compare different e-bikes and experience first-hand what suits you. Take a test ride and discover the difference in assistance and range for yourself.