Bosch eBike Systems is set to unveil something new at CES 2025, possibly related to advancements in electric bicycle battery technology. A cryptic teaser video hints at what’s to come.
In the video, a Bosch PowerPack 800 e-bike battery is shown with the words “Protect what is valuable” on either side.
These clues could point in several directions, potentially addressing improvements in battery safety or advancements in theft prevention.
Is Bosch unveiling a new theft protection system?
There is a speculation that Bosch will unveil its potted batteries. This battery is designed to escases the internal components and battery cells in resin or other solid protective materials. This construction method is highly prized for its water, shock, and vibration resistance, making it perfect for mountain bikers and commuters in tough conditions.
It is not a new concept but still is uncommon to the electric bicycle battery industry. Last year, the electric bicycle brand Rad Power Bike unveiled new potted batteries as part of their SafeShield line of batteries.
While the practice raises concerns about battery recyclability, the Rad Power Bikes assures that its SafeShield batteries are still recyclable. Although accessing the cells can be challenging with potted batteries, many recycling programs grind the entire battery and use separators like magnets, screens, and centrifuges to recover valuable materials for reuse.
The move to potted batteries represents a major step forward in battery safety, particularly for riders navigating rough terrain or wet conditions. Physical damage and water intrusion—especially from salt water in coastal areas or regions with heavy road salt use—are leading causes of e-bike battery fires. While such incidents remain rare given the vast number of e-bike batteries in use, targeting these risks, especially in Bosch’s key markets of electric mountain bikes and commuter e-bikes, significantly enhances safety.
Is Bosch launching a new theft protection system?
Another interpretation of the teaser could point to anti-theft technology, as battery theft has become a rising concern for e-bike riders, especially in urban areas where bikes are often left outside. Bosch might be tackling this issue with integrated theft-prevention features. Possible innovations could include built-in GPS trackers to locate stolen batteries, more tamper-proof locking systems, or remote disabling features that render stolen batteries unusable.
Companies like the now-defunct Juiced Bikes have even designed e-bike batteries with cavities to hide Airtags or other tracking devices for added security.
Although details are still scarce, Bosch’s teaser has generated excitement in the e-bike community, given the company’s significant market share. The official announcement is expected soon, and we’ll update you as soon as we have more information.
In the meantime, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. What do you think Bosch’s engineers are working on this time?
