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 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 “Shield what is effective” on both aspect of the battery.
The clues could lead on in a number of instructions, probably regarding the battery’s security or to advances in theft prevention.
Is Bosch unveiling potted e-bike batteries?
One potential principle facilities round the potential of Bosch unveiling potted batteries, a design that encases the interior parts and battery cells in resin or different stable protecting supplies. This building methodology is very valued for its resistance to water, shocks, and vibrations, making it splendid for mountain bikers and commuters who journey 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 apply does increase some issues relating to the flexibility to recycle such batteries, however Rad Energy Bikes has stated that its SafeShield batteries are nonetheless recyclable. Accessing the cells is troublesome when potted batteries are discontinued, however many battery recycling applications grind up all the battery and use a collection of separators equivalent to magnets, screens, and centrifuges to isolate the vital supplies for additional recycling.
The shift in direction of potted batteries marks a big improve in battery security, particularly for riders on tough terrain or who journey 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, might go a great distance in direction of enhancing security.
Does Bosch have a brand new theft safety system?
One other attainable interpretation of the teaser might 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 outdoors. Bosch could be addressing this subject 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 units.
Whereas particulars stay underneath wraps, Bosch’s teaser has created a buzz within the e-bike neighborhood as a result of e-bike part maker’s giant 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 might Bosch’s engineers be cooking up this time?
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