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 come back.
Within the video seen beneath, a Bosch PowerPack 800 e-bike battery might be seen together with the phrases “Shield what is effective” on both aspect of the battery.
The clues may lead in a number of instructions, doubtlessly regarding 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 inner elements and battery cells in resin or different strong protecting supplies. This development technique is extremely valued for its resistance to water, shocks, and vibrations, making it preferrred for mountain bikers and commuters who trip in difficult environments.
Whereas the idea is just not 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 observe does elevate some considerations relating to the flexibility 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 applications grind up the complete battery and use a sequence of separators reminiscent of magnets, screens, and centrifuges to isolate the vital supplies for additional recycling.
The shift in direction of potted batteries marks a major enhance in battery security, particularly for riders on tough terrain or who trip in moist environments. Bodily harm 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 big variety of e-bike batteries in circulation, addressing these two areas, that are generally seen in Bosch’s two most important markets of electrical mountain bikes and commuter e-bikes, may go a great distance in direction of bettering security.
Does Bosch have a brand new theft safety system?
One other doable interpretation of the teaser may relate to anti-theft know-how. Battery theft has change into a rising concern for e-bike riders, particularly in city areas the place bikes are sometimes left locked up exterior. Bosch could be addressing this situation by introducing built-in theft-prevention options.
Potential improvements may embrace 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 gadgets.
Whereas particulars stay below wraps, Bosch’s teaser has created a buzz within the e-bike group 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 beneath. What may Bosch’s engineers be cooking up this time?
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