Bosch eBike Methods plans to announce one thing new at CES 2025, maybe associated to advances in its electrical bicycle battery know-how. A cryptic teaser video provides a style of what’s to return.
Within the video seen under, a Bosch PowerPack 800 e-bike battery might be seen together with the phrases “Defend what is effective” on both aspect of the battery.
The clues may lead in a number of instructions, probably referring to the battery’s security or to advances in theft prevention.
Is Bosch unveiling potted e-bike batteries?
One potential idea facilities round the potential for Bosch unveiling potted batteries, a design that encases the interior parts and battery cells in resin or different strong protecting supplies. This building methodology is extremely valued for its resistance to water, shocks, and vibrations, making it best for mountain bikers and commuters who journey in difficult environments.
Whereas the idea just isn’t new, it’s nonetheless unusual within the electrical bicycle battery business. Final yr, the electrical bicycle model Rad Energy Bikes unveiled new potted batteries as a part of their SafeShield line of batteries.
The apply does elevate some issues concerning the power to recycle such batteries, however Rad Energy Bikes has mentioned that its SafeShield batteries are nonetheless recyclable. Accessing the cells is troublesome when potted batteries are discontinued, however many battery recycling packages grind up your entire battery and use a sequence of separators comparable to magnets, screens, and centrifuges to isolate the necessary supplies for additional recycling.
The shift in the direction of potted batteries marks a big enhance in battery security, particularly for riders on tough terrain or who journey in moist environments. Bodily injury and water ingress (particularly salt water from coastal areas or areas with vital street salt utilization) are two main causes of e-bike battery fires. Whereas such fires are nonetheless fairly uncommon contemplating the massive variety of e-bike batteries in circulation, addressing these two areas, that are generally seen in Bosch’s two primary markets of electrical mountain bikes and commuter e-bikes, may go a great distance in the direction of bettering security.
Does Bosch have a brand new theft safety system?
One other potential interpretation of the teaser may relate to anti-theft know-how. Battery theft has turn into a rising concern for e-bike riders, particularly in city areas the place bikes are sometimes left locked up exterior. Bosch is perhaps addressing this situation by introducing built-in theft-prevention options.
Potential improvements may embody built-in GPS trackers for finding stolen batteries, extra tamper-proof locking mechanisms, and even distant disabling capabilities that render a stolen battery unusable.
Different firms, such because the now-defunct Juiced Bikes, have constructed e-bike batteries with specifically designed cavities for concealing Airtags or different location-tracking units.
Whereas particulars stay below wraps, Bosch’s teaser has created a buzz within the e-bike neighborhood as a result of e-bike part maker’s massive market share. The official announcement from Bosch is predicted quickly, and we’ll report again as quickly as we all know extra.
Till then, let’s hear your ideas within the remark part under. What may Bosch’s engineers be cooking up this time?
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