The key question in e-bike Bosch
"Should I buy a PowerTube 500 or 625? How far will I really go?". Bosch advertises flattering marketing range figures that never hold up in real life. Here's the actual data.
The 4 Bosch capacities in 2026
| Model | Capacity | Weight | Format | Compatible CX 2024 |
|---|
| PowerTube 400 | 400 Wh | 2.3 kg | 60×80×335 mm | Yes (legacy) |
| PowerTube 500 | 500 Wh | 2.6 kg | 65×80×349 mm | Yes |
| PowerTube 625 | 625 Wh | 3.5 kg | 65×80×425 mm | Yes |
| PowerTube 750 | 750 Wh | 4.0 kg | 65×80×425 mm | Yes |
| PowerTube 800 | 800 Wh | 4.4 kg | 65×80×425 mm | Yes (new 2024) |
Note: the 625, 750 and 800 share the same external format. You can upgrade without changing the frame.
The basic formula
On a Bosch CX 2024, average consumption in mixed mode is 7–10 Wh/km depending on profile. So:
| Battery | 7 Wh/km consumption | 10 Wh/km consumption |
|---|
| 400 Wh | 57 km | 40 km |
| 500 Wh | 71 km | 50 km |
| 625 Wh | 89 km | 62 km |
| 750 Wh | 107 km | 75 km |
| 800 Wh | 114 km | 80 km |
Variables that change everything
Assistance mode — factor ×3
| Mode | Typical consumption |
|---|
| Eco (×1.4) | 5 Wh/km |
| Tour (×2.5) | 7 Wh/km |
| eMTB (auto) | 9 Wh/km |
| Turbo (×3.4) | 14 Wh/km |
| Boost | 18 Wh/km |
Switching to Eco instead of Tour nearly doubles range on a hilly route.
Rider weight — factor ×1.5
- 60 kg rider → consumption -15%
- 80 kg rider → reference
- 100 kg rider → consumption +20%
- 120 kg rider → consumption +35%
Terrain — factor ×2
| Profile | Multiplier |
|---|
| Flat urban | ×1.0 |
| Moderate hills | ×1.3 |
| Sustained climb | ×1.8 |
| All-mountain MTB | ×2.0 |
Temperature — factor ×1.25
- 25°C → reference (capacity 100%)
- 10°C → -10%
- 0°C → -25%
- -10°C → -40%
This is why winter range collapses. Keep your battery indoors between 15 and 25°C and take it out at the last moment.
Real range table — calculated
80 kg rider, moderate hilly terrain, 15°C, full suspension MTB, Trail mode:
| Battery | Expected range |
|---|
| 500 Wh | 45–55 km |
| 625 Wh | 56–69 km |
| 750 Wh | 68–83 km |
| 800 Wh | 72–89 km |
Same rider, flat urban terrain, Tour mode:
| Battery | Expected range |
|---|
| 500 Wh | 65–80 km |
| 625 Wh | 81–100 km |
| 750 Wh | 97–120 km |
| 800 Wh | 104–128 km |
Same rider, committed enduro MTB, eMTB mode:
| Battery | Expected range |
|---|
| 500 Wh | 30–40 km |
| 625 Wh | 37–50 km |
| 750 Wh | 45–60 km |
| 800 Wh | 48–64 km |
How to optimise without changing battery
1. Pedal before the assistance kicks back in
At 25 km/h, assistance cuts out. If you ease up and lose 5 km/h on a climb, assistance restarts → consumption ×2 over 100 m. Pedal smoothly, maintain speed.
2. Eco mode on the flat
On 80 km of flat, switching to Eco saves 200 Wh = 25 km extra.
3. High tyre pressure
On MTB, raising from 1.5 to 1.8 bar saves ~8% on road. Not ideal for off-road grip, but relevant on tarmac transitions.
4. Keep the battery warm
If you're starting at 5°C, keep it indoors until departure. A PowerTube at 20°C will give you ~15% more range than at 5°C.
What about Range Extender batteries?
Bosch offers the PowerMore 250 (250 Wh extra in a bottle cage mount, 1.8 kg). Compatible with CX 2024 Smart System.
- Combined: 625 + 250 = 875 Wh usable
- Combined: 800 + 250 = 1050 Wh usable
The Kiox display shows consumption prioritised from the Range Extender (emptied first). Handy for long-distance outings.
Battery lifespan
Bosch guarantees 2 years or 500 full cycles.
In real usage:
- ~1000 cycles at 80% capacity (= ~75,000 km for a PowerTube 750)
- Capacity begins to drop noticeably after 1500 cycles
To preserve:
- Charge to 80% for long storage (Bosch has a "Storage Mode" function)
- Avoid total discharge (keep >20%)
- Store between 15 and 25°C
Unsure which battery capacity to choose? The mechanic AI calculates your actual range based on your weight, your typical route, and your usual mode.
