April 6, 2020 - (Ottobrunn, GER) Better performance, full individuality, and a ride that feels even more natural than before: It’s all thanks to the “Black Pepper” performance update from eBike drive manufacturer FAZUA GmbH, located in Ottobrunn on the outskirts of Munich, Germany.

Black Pepper consists of two separate software updates:
● evation Motor Software 2.0
● Toolbox Software 2.0

Evation Motor Software 2.0

Over the past few months, the riding dynamics of the evation drive were redesigned to incorporate biomechanical principles using intelligent formulas—for an even more realistic feel. Generally speaking, the characteristics of the existing motor software haven’t changed, they’ve just been honed:

“From a biomechanical standpoint, we’re even closer to the rider than before, and our software now generates assistance that is even gentler and more natural, all while delivering more power. With this update, we’re improving efficiency, adding more customizability, and taking the Fazua evation drive’s unique natural riding feel to an even higher level,” explains Pascal Ketterer, biomechanics specialist at Fazua.

On a more detailed level, the performance update brings significant improvements to all areas of the evation motor software.

• Performance: The evation drive system’s motor control was completely overhauled from the ground up. The result is a major improvement in efficiency, making it possible to get even more performance from the compact unit.
• Cadence range: One of the most noticeable performance enhancements is the delivery of power over a broad cadence range. The evation drive system now provides more efficient assistance at a constant motor output over a cadence range of 55–125 revolutions per minute.
• Riding dynamics: From the beginning, the evation drive system has delivered a ride characterized by gentle, natural assistance. But now, riders can enjoy an even more authentic feel: In extensive biomechanical analyses, we used sophisticated methods and complex algorithms to develop riding dynamics that perfectly adapt to the rider’s individual pedaling style—to guarantee the ideal level of assistance for every riding scenario.

Toolbox Software 2.0

Once the latest update for the new evation Motor Software is installed, riders will now be able to individually customize the assistance modes with the Toolbox Software 2.0. The drive’s riding dynamics can be adapted to the rider’s own personal needs and preferences using the Max Power, Support Relation and Ramp-Up parameters:

“The Max Power, Support Relation and Ramp-Up performance features can now be personally customized. The basic selection for each of these three features includes three preconfigured settings, but they can also be custom-configured for each mode in the advanced setup,” says Ketterer.
Max Power controls both the maximum torque and the power output. In the Eco setting, the maximum output and power consumption are lower, whereas the Performance setting allows for a higher maximum output while using more of the battery to do so. Support Relation defines the relationship between the rider’s physical exertion and the drive’s motorized assistance. If a low value is set, the motor will provide maximum assistance with minimal effort from the rider. With a high setting, the rider has to work very hard before the motor reaches the Max Power level.

Ramp-Up determines the motor’s responsiveness and acceleration power. If the gentle setting is used, the motor accelerates very subtly and with a slight delay, but the responsive setting causes the motor to react more quickly and accelerate with greater power.

“We’re constantly searching for the perfect riding feel: assistance that’s in complete harmony with the rider’s own physical output. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of everyone involved, the Black Pepper update brings us a huge step closer to this vision,” says Johannes Biechele, Managing Director at Fazua.

The evation Motor Software 2.0 and Toolbox Software 2.0 updates are backward-compatible and will be available for download at www.fazua.com starting on the 16th of April. Fazua riders can also look forward to another update for Bluetooth-enabled Remotes, scheduled to be released in the coming weeks.

Graphic 1: Cadence Range

NEW: We have significantly optimized the cadence range: This provides you with noticeably more motorized assistance even at higher cadence. No matter if you ride with 60 rpm on a steep uphill on a mountain bike or with 100 rpm on a road bike, you will always get even assistance.

Max torque: 55 Nm
Max power: 300 Watt (mechanical) / 450 Watt (electrical), standard setting*: max 250 Watt (mechanical)
Cadence range (opt. efficiency/power): 55-125
*predefined default setting

Graphic 2: Support-Relation

Characteristics support modes

New: The Support Relation, the relationship between rider power and motorized assistance, is now even more differentiated between the three support modes, meaning that you have the perfect mode for a wide range of terrain and riding situations.

Breeze: Gentle, constant and 100 watt* strong tailwind even at low rider power.

River: Progressive and very sporty mode, for a smooth riding experience! The strength of the assistance precisely follows your foot and your own power. Give a lot – and get a lot from the motor (max 210 W *)

Rocket: Aggressive assistance that helps you to tackle the steepest sections even with moderate driver power (max. 250 W *)

*predefined default setting

Graphic 3 und 4: Motor Start Response und Ramp-Up

New: One step on the pedal and the motor starts! Direct response and tactful start. Depending on the mode, you get a gentle push or a powerful starting aid to get you up to speed more quickly and easily.

Ramp-Up: Motor behavior
Breeze: Relatively strong, yet smooth and gentle acceleration.
River: Acceleration is somewhat more powerful but still subtle.
Rocket: Accelerates with noticeably more torque.