Bosch eBike Techniques plans to announce one thing new at CES 2025, maybe associated to advances in its electrical bicycle battery expertise. A cryptic teaser video offers a style of what’s to come back.
Within the video seen under, a Bosch PowerPack 800 e-bike battery will 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 concept facilities round the potential of Bosch unveiling potted batteries, a design that encases the inner elements and battery cells in resin or different strong protecting supplies. This development methodology is extremely valued for its resistance to water, shocks, and vibrations, making it ideally suited for mountain bikers and commuters who trip in difficult environments.
Whereas the idea just isn’t new, it’s nonetheless unusual within the electrical bicycle battery trade. Final 12 months, the electrical bicycle model Rad Energy Bikes unveiled new potted batteries as a part of their SafeShield line of batteries.
The follow does increase some considerations 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 equivalent to magnets, screens, and centrifuges to isolate the essential 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 trip in moist environments. Bodily harm and water ingress (particularly salt water from coastal areas or areas with vital highway 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 essential 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 expertise. 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 could be addressing this difficulty by introducing built-in theft-prevention options.
Potential improvements might 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 corporations, 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 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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