Initial focus on eVTOL – adaptation for motorcycles planned
The new battery technology was originally developed for eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft). However, the company emphasizes that the technology can also be easily adapted for electric cars and, in particular, electric motorcycles. A key goal is to remove the existing limitations on range and cost for electric motorcycles.
The problems with conventional batteries: wasted space and cost
According to 24M, the current design of lithium-ion batteries is a major obstacle to higher efficiency and longer ranges. A large part of a battery’s volume – up to 70 percent – consists of non-functional material such as housings and gaps that do not contribute to actual energy performance.
E-TOP technology: 24M’s approach
With its E-TOP (Electrode-to-Pack) technology, 24M is pursuing a fundamentally different approach: traditional battery cells are completely eliminated in high-voltage systems. Instead, only electrode pairs and separators are used, which are sealed into thin films. According to 24M, this results in compact energy packages that contain only the active material in a shell.
The company describes this solution as “the most ideal form of a battery to date – only active material in a package.” Thanks to the flexible configuration options, the battery packs can be adapted to different designs and sizes, which should also open up new design possibilities for electric motorcycles. According to the manufacturer, this can increase efficiency by 35 percent and reduce costs by 40 percent. At the same time, the risk of fires is to be reduced.
Advantages for electric motorcycles: Less weight and more range
By dispensing with conventional cell structures, electric motorcycles will no longer have to suffer from the “clunky” design that has been common up to now. E-TOP technology is expected to enable more compact and lighter batteries without compromising on range. A maximum range of around 1,609 km would be a quantum leap for electric two-wheelers and could refute most of the previous criticisms regarding range and practicality.
Market launch: Practical implementation still open
24M emphasizes that the technology presented is already ready for use. However, its integration into vehicle production depends on whether manufacturers are willing to change existing manufacturing processes. Experience shows that larger manufacturers are hesitant to make such fundamental changes, especially when existing products are well positioned in the market.
One example cited is the car manufacturer BYD, which sold more than 11,000 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the UK alone last month. Companies with such sales figures may see little incentive to invest in new, cost-intensive technologies. Others, on the other hand, may recognize the advantages and act as drivers of innovation.
If the technology catches on, two of the biggest criticisms of electric motorcycles—range and price—could become significantly less important. Other manufacturers, such as Yamaha, are already working separately on issues such as sound and riding experience.
