Revonte revolutionises e-bikes

Michael Restin

21.4.2020

Translation: machine translated

With the Revonte ONE Drive System, manufacturers have the power over the setup. The engine with continuously variable automatic transmission can be individually configured. A big name in the industry is already trying it out.

There are many who promise the e-bike of the future. Some models have a very futuristic design, but the core remains mostly of the past. Motors are getting smaller, lighter and more efficient, but they have been running on the same principle for years. However, some companies have realised that there is still potential in the drive unit. Kervelo combines the motor with a four-, six- or twelve-speed transmission in the Quartz Drive. Continental collaborated with NuVinci in the development of the "48V Revolution" model with an integrated continuously variable automatic transmission. It was the first attempt of its kind, but failed to revolutionise the scene. Continental again withdrew from the market.

Finnish start-up Revonte wants more success. For manufacturers, it is an advantage that the technique is not completely reinvented. Nor do they expect this part of their product to be particularly innovative. The principle of their automatics is just a planetary gear with two electric motors, mechanically robust and reliable. Such CVT ('Continuously Variable Transmission') transmissions are widely used in the automotive industry. It is said that Revonte's real trump card is the software that controls the system. This allows the behaviour of the engine and gearbox to be adapted to the bike. Hence the name ONE Drive System. One for all. For city and touring bikes, cargo or mountain bikes. The entire drive unit with its 4.7 kilos is relatively light and compact.

From niche to mass market

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Bikes with drive units can be built by others. There is a lot of interest because manufacturers are regaining full control over the drive of their models. Revonte claims that many e-bike buyers demand a specific motor and pay little attention to the actual bike. Instead of using a Bosch or Yamaha motor, bike manufacturers can configure the Drive System to their specifications.

Lavelle Bikes and Tunturi are already putting models equipped with Revonte ONE on the road. As early as 2021 at the latest. Tunturi is best known in Switzerland for fitness equipment, in Finland it is also an established bicycle brand. It is part of the Accell Group, which includes brands such as Ghost and Haibike. So far from being a niche manufacturer. The group is the market leader in Europe. If the Drive System is established by Tunturi, the step towards the mass market is more than real.

Comfort and numerous configurations

Revonte promises a powerful motor and practical automatism. So you can pedal carefree without having to think about shifting into the right gear. The software constantly learns based on your riding behaviour. If you want more control, the system can also be put into semi-automatic mode via a switch on the handlebar. You can configure the gradation and number of virtual gears via the app provided by the respective bike manufacturer. Revonte opens up the interfaces and gives its customers various possibilities in terms of implementation. Up to 20 gears should be possible, enough to free e-mountain bikes from the derailleur and make the toothed belt drive more attractive.

Functions such as electronic theft protection or maintenance instructions are designed to simplify the use of the bike. 4G, Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS and a small battery backup keep the system working and communicating at all times. The promises are tempting: manufacturers have every opportunity to adapt the system to their bikes. Your bike adapts to you. And if you don't like something, you can change it. Whether Revonte ONE is the system that fits everyone remains to be seen. The concept is definitely forward-looking.

Michael Restin

Senior Editor

Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.ch

Simple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.

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