[LOOK] 3 US Companies Create Fireproof E-Bike Batteries: Here's the Demo

Joseph Henry, Tech Times 16 January 2024, 03:01 pm

Nanotech Energy, Soteria, and Voltaplex are poised to introduce fireproof battery cells for e-bikes.

This cutting-edge development aims to tackle the growing concern of electric bike battery fires, offering a potential solution to enhance safety standards globally.

Understanding the Electric Bike Fire Concerns

[LOOK] Three US Companies Are Creating Fireproof E-Bike Batteries: Here's the Demo — (Photo : Gotrax from Unsplash)
Cases of battery fires have been increasing for the past years. To address this problem, three US firms collaborated to produce fireproof batteries for e-bikes.

While reports of e-bike battery fires have garnered attention in recent years, it's crucial to contextualize the issue. Despite being a critical concern with instances leading to fatal fires, the magnitude of the problem is smaller than sensationalized in the media, Electrek notes.

Even in places like New York City, considered a hotspot for e-bike fires, residents remain over five times more likely to face risks such as subway accidents or choking incidents than succumbing to an electric bike battery fire.

The Collaborative Solution Unveiled

The collaborative effort envisions graphene-powered 18650 battery cells incorporating Soteria's metalized polymer current collectors and Nanotech's advanced electrolyte, coupled with proprietary electrodes.

Voltaplex, renowned for crafting battery packs, will utilize these innovative cells to engineer e-bike batteries specifically tailored for enhanced safety.

Nanotech's pouch cells and 18650 cells have showcased remarkable resilience under extreme abuse, setting them apart from conventional Li-ion battery cells.

While typical cells tend to erupt in flames when damaged, Nanotech's cells, as demonstrated in video tests, remain inert even when subjected to severe conditions, such as being shot with a bullet.

In the video demonstration, the contrast between a conventional battery cell, erupting in flames under the same damage test, emphasizes the revolutionary safety measures offered by graphene-based battery cells.

Elevating Safety Standards in the E-Bike Industry

While ongoing initiatives, like standardizing safety certification requirements such as UL certification, aim to bolster battery safety in the e-bike industry, the incorporation of graphene-based battery cells presents an additional layer of security.

"We're pleased with how the strength of this technology and manufacturing partnership will enable us to serve the needs of the most critical applications in the industry better," Brian Morin, CEO of Soteria Battery Innovation Group, in a report by BikeMag.

Even with UL certification, a battery pack could still pose a fire risk when subjected to extreme abuse. The fireproof attributes of graphene-based cells provide a robust solution to mitigate such risks, ushering in a new era of enhanced safety for e-bike enthusiasts.

The e-bike industry is headed to the right path towards greater safety. With the latest collaboration, it is expected that more transformative advancements will leave a memorable part in electric mobility.

Speaking of e-bike, Integral Electrics brought the new Maven Cargo e-bike which is very unique. Hailed as the first electric bike for females, this is engineered with a careful approach for woman's comfort.