Bosch eBike Techniques plans to announce one thing new at CES 2025, maybe associated to advances in its electrical bicycle battery know-how. A cryptic teaser video offers a style of what’s to return.
Within the video seen under, a Bosch PowerPack 800 e-bike battery could be seen together with the phrases “Shield what is efficacious” on both facet of the battery.
The clues could lead on 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 principle 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 development technique is very valued for its resistance to water, shocks, and vibrations, making it perfect for mountain bikers and commuters who experience in difficult environments.
Whereas the idea will not be new, it’s nonetheless unusual within the electrical bicycle battery business. Final 12 months, 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 issues relating to 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 applications grind up the whole battery and use a sequence of separators equivalent to magnets, screens, and centrifuges to isolate the necessary supplies for additional recycling.
The shift in the direction of potted batteries marks a major improve in battery security, particularly for riders on tough terrain or who experience in moist environments. Bodily injury and water ingress (particularly salt water from coastal areas or areas with important 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 primary markets of electrical mountain bikes and commuter e-bikes, might go a great distance in the direction of bettering security.
Does Bosch have a brand new theft safety system?
One other doable interpretation of the teaser might relate to anti-theft know-how. Battery theft has grow to be a rising concern for e-bike riders, particularly in city areas the place bikes are sometimes left locked up exterior. Bosch is likely to be addressing this challenge by introducing built-in theft-prevention options.
Potential improvements might 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 gadgets.
Whereas particulars stay below wraps, Bosch’s teaser has created a buzz within the e-bike neighborhood because of the e-bike element maker’s massive market share. The official announcement from Bosch is anticipated 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 might Bosch’s engineers be cooking up this time?
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