Stromer unveils solid-state ceramic battery, a first for the e-bike industry

Much like electric vehicles are doing in the four-wheeler category, Stormer bikes offer a non-polluting way to move about in the two-wheeler segment. Unfortunately, Stromer is also besieged with the same troubles of high charging times of lithium-ion battery packs as its four-wheeler counterparts and is also looking to switch to a solid-state battery option for its bikes.

Holy Grail of batteries

The lithium-ion battery technology has powered the expansion of rechargeable devices ranging from smartphones to EV vehicles today. However, the battery uses a liquid electrolyte which carries the risk of damage upon impact and even explosion in worse-case scenarios.

A solid electrolyte is used in a solid-state battery. It reduces the risk of damage from external forces and can pack more energy per unit area since it can be set up more compactly.

Car manufacturers across the globe have their eyes set on the solid-state battery as it will allow them to increase vehicle range while making EVs of the future much safer, and Stromer is also hoping to do the same for its e-bikes.

The Stromer ceramic battery

At its Eurobike stall, Stromer unveiled its solid-state ceramic battery concept that it has been working on with TD Hitech Energy, a Taiwanese battery manufacturer. According to the press release, the collaboration is developing the battery pack to achieve charging capabilities at temperatures as low as -22 Fahrenheit(-30 °C).

An added advantage of the solid-state battery is that it can be charged much faster than lithium-ion ones, and Stromer is looking to use fast chargers to achieve a full battery recharge in just 12 minutes. This will be a massive upgrade over the few hours the current batteries on the e-bikes take to attain full charge. That's about the time for a bathroom break and finishing a sandwich before resuming your journey.

"As an innovative brand, we strive to be actively engaged in the early stages of research and development for emerging technologies," said Tomi Viiala, Co-CEO of Stromer, in the press release. "Notably, it offers significant advantages in terms of safety and incredibly fast charging times, estimated to be around 10 times faster than conventional lithium batteries."

Before you get your hopes high about traveling cross country on battery power, some realism. The technology is still in development, and might take a few years before it can be made cost-effective to be used at scale.

Stromer's e-bike prices aren't easy on the pocket, but you can gauge how expensive solid-state battery is that the company is not producing yet. Also, there is the issue of ensuring the delivery of high capacity. What's the use of a battery pack that charges in 10 minutes but does not travel above 30 miles?

If you are looking for a fast-charging e-bike in the future, you now know where you will find it.