DOETINCHEM, the Netherlands – It’s finally coming; the highly needed technology which is to revolutionize batteries including the ones for e-bikes. It’s coming with Graphene-Lithium. The addition of Graphene nano-technology to Lithium batteries brings unprecedented properties as the carbon atoms in Graphene are superconductive.Graphene-Lithium nano technology in e-bike batteries brings primarily a much-improved energy density. Even 2.5 times better! – Photo Bike EuropeOne of the experts in the field of e-bike batteries that Bike Europe regularly consults, informs that a breakthrough in battery technology – “which we all have been waiting for” – is now coming. He says “Over the years I have been writing articles on what to expect in the near future for groundbreaking developments. The conclusion was that everything seems possible at lab level, but that this usually does not lead to any production result. That’s now different.”Working prototypesThe difference is that there are now working prototypes of the batteries with Graphene-Lithium nano technology. The Bike Europe expert, who for now wants to remain anonymous, informs that there’s now “One manufacturer that is a lot further with the Graphene-Lithium nano technology. Samples are already available for individual testing.”Much improved energy densityThe Graphene-Lithium nano technology in e-bike batteries brings primarily a much-improved energy density. Even 2.5 times better! “The energy density at the 18650 cells of this manufacturers is approximately 2.5 x better, compared to a 3.5Ah 18650. The price per kWh will initially be at least the same but will decrease as time goes on and production numbers grow. My estimate is that from the beginning of 2021 these batteries will gradually become up to 40% cheaper compared to li-ion batteries”, says the battery expert.Working prototype at EurobikeAt the upcoming Eurobike show, taking place September 4 – 7, 2019 in Friedrichshafen, Germany, a working prototype will be available. At least that’s currently in the planning. Whether this will actually be the case will be clarified during the upcoming Taipei Cycle Show; taking place at the end of this month; from March 27 – 30, 2019 in Taiwan.Development of Graphene applicationsAlready close to a decade ago the EU announced a one billion euro subsidy program for the development of Graphene applications and products. This was followed in 2016 by an announcement of the Chinese central government on founding the ‘China International Graphene Industry Union’. This NGO has been set-up for the industrialization of graphene as China is one of the most graphite-rich countries in the world.Integrating graphene in bike productsSuch industrialization happened already within the bicycle industry for a number of products by Vittoria. This company started working with Graphene already in 2013. Vittoria holds distribution rights for various countries of pristine Graphene nanoplatelets. The tyre and wheelset producer managed to integrate Graphene into tyres and composite material for carbon wheelsets. Numerous possibilities are there for other companies in the bike industry to integrate Graphene in their line-ups as it brings unprecedented features to carbon frames, other composite products, textiles, as well as electric (e-bike) parts because Graphene is also a superconductor.
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