Sustainability at Bosch eBike Systems

A woman rides her eBike on a red bike lane in the city.

Compared to a car with a combustion engine, you emit less CO₂ when travelling on an eBike.¹

A woman is standing with her eBike at an intersection, looking to the right. In the background, there are some cars and traffic lights visible.

With an eBike, you can relieve traffic congestion and often travel faster than others over short distances of less than 7.5 km in the city.²

A woman and a child, both wearing bicycle helmets, ride a bright Cargo eBike through a park with autumn trees and modern white buildings in the background.

Your eBike takes up less space than many other means of transportation.² This frees up space that can then be transformed into new living space.

A person is riding a gray e-bike, wearing a black helmet and a black backpack. They are on a street next to a modern building with wood paneling. In the background, you can see trees and a blue bus.

Using an eBike for your travel is good for your health and keeps you fit.²

More information

Sources:

¹ World Health Organization (2022): “Walking and cycling: latest evidence to support policy-making and practice”, p. 1, URL (accessed on 30/05/2024).

²Federal Environment Agency (2023): “Environmental tips to consider when using electric bikes”, URL (accessed on 30/04/2024).

Perfect for the city

If you want to commute to work every day, cover short distances quickly or spontaneously run an errand, the eBike is the ideal choice. During riding, it produces average CO₂ emissions of only 3 grams per passenger-kilometre (CO₂ g/pkm) due to its electricity consumption - whereas a car generates 166 CO₂ g/pkm.¹

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¹ g/pkm = grams per passenger-kilometre

The figure shows the following in ascending order: bicycle, eBike, long-distance rail transport, tram and urban and underground railway, electric car, public transport bus, car (all drives), domestic aircraft.

Source: Own representation based on Federal Environment Agency figures: “Comparison of the average emissions of individual means of regular and private passenger transport in Germany in 2022”, URL (accessed on 24/4/2024). Our TÜV analysis, calculated using the German electricity mix, confirms the eBike value.

CO₂ equivalents indicate the climate impact of the different greenhouse gases. We have considered the effects of CO₂ as well as other greenhouse gases and climate-relevant substances, insofar as these are relevant to the analysis. In order to compare the impact on the climate of the various greenhouse gases and climate-relevant substances, they are shown as CO₂ equivalents. For ease of reading, we use CO₂ synonymously with CO₂ equivalents.

We measure emissions and identify potential savings for CO₂ reduction measures.

We enhance transparency and work with our suppliers to find solutions.

We develop high-quality products and implement measures for reconditioning and recycling.

CO₂ footprint of an eBike

Together with TÜV Rheinland, we calculated the average CO₂ footprint for an eBike with a Bosch system in 2022 and then refined and updated it in 2024.³

The result: Over its entire life cycle – from production to recycling – an eBike generates approximately 263 kg of CO₂.

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¹CO₂ equivalents indicate the climate impact of the various greenhouse gases. We have considered the effects of CO₂ as well as other greenhouse gases and climate-relevant substances, insofar as these are relevant to the analysis. In order to compare the impact on the climate of the various greenhouse gases and climate-relevant substances, they are shown as CO₂ equivalents. For ease of reading, we use CO₂ synonymously with CO₂ equivalents.

²The CO₂ footprint of the eBike system shown here as an example is made up of the rounded footprint of the display (Kiox 300), battery (PowerTube 500) and drive unit (Performance Line CX). The basis is a Trekking eBike with a mileage of 11,000 km. The use phase was calculated on the basis of the German electricity mix. The calculation was carried out by TÜV Rheinland (as at April 2024).

³ The basis is a Trekking eBike with a mileage of 11,000 km.

The biggest potential savings

At 84 kg of CO₂, the eBike system generates around 32% of the total footprint of an eBike. The eBike battery accounts for the largest share of this at just over 50 %. It offers the biggest potential savings within the system components but also along the supply chain.

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¹CO₂ equivalents indicate the climate impact of the various greenhouse gases. We have considered the effects of CO₂ as well as other greenhouse gases and climate-relevant substances, insofar as these are relevant to the analysis. In order to compare the impact on the climate of the various greenhouse gases and climate-relevant substances, they are shown as CO₂ equivalents. For ease of reading, we use CO₂ synonymously with CO₂ equivalents.

²The carbon footprint of the eBike system shown here as an example is made up of the rounded footprint of the net weights of the display (Kiox 300), battery (PowerTube 500) and drive unit (Performance Line CX) materials.

Unrestricted Smartphone with open route and Navigation in the eBike Flow App.

Clipped smartphone showing an open route and navigation in the eBike Flow app with highlighted CO2 savings.

That’s your contribution. With every ride.

The eBike Flow app automatically calculates your CO₂ savings compared to a car after every ride - you can find the value in your statistics.¹

Find out more

More information

¹The emissions saved relate to the use phase. The calculation is based on the Federal Environment Agency’s assumptions (2022): Car = 166 g CO₂/pkm, eBike = 3 g CO₂/pkm

Bosch eBike battery (CompactTube 400) with gray print.

We have reduced the emissions of the battery cell holder

The cell holder is the largest plastic part in our PowerTubes. We have used a low-CO₂ plastic for the CompactTube 400. As a result, the emission factor is 64 % lower than previously. The new plastic also has a lower density, which means that less material is required. We will use this plastic for the cell holders of future PowerTubes.

We know the history of our battery cells

The battery is responsible for the largest share of CO₂ in our eBike system. We obtain the battery cells from suppliers. We have succeeded in tracing the complex supply chain back to the raw material. This allows us to exert influence and make the supply chain more sustainable.

The diagram illustrates the complex supply chain of a battery cell in highly simplified form.

Graphical representation of the supply chain with explanations: "Mines: raw materials such as Cobalt, lithium, Nickel, manganese, graphite or sicily are extracted in different mines.", "Smelters and refineries: The respective raw materials are processed in various smelters and refineries.", "Intermediate/precursor: A precursor of the later cell is produced from the processed raw materials.", "Final assembly of the cell: In the final assembly of our direct supplier, the cell is assembled from the individual raw materials, the cell pre-products, as well as other components - i.e. "assembled".", "Final assembly of the battery: We receive the finished cell from our supplier and install it in the eBike battery.". Underneath is a banner that reads "We are continuously working to increase transparency in the supply chain."

Graphical representation of the supply chain with explanations: "Mines: Raw materials such as cobalt, lithium, nickel, manganese, graphite, or silicon are extracted from various mines.", "Smelters and refineries: The respective raw materials are processed in different smelting plants and refineries.", "Intermediate/Precursor: A precursor for the later cell is produced from the processed raw materials.", "Final assembly of the cell: During final assembly by our direct suppliers, the cell is put together from the individual raw materials, cell precursors, and additional components—that is, assembled.", "Final assembly of the battery: We receive the finished cell from our supplier and install it in the eBike battery." Below, a banner states: "We are continuously working to increase transparency in the supply chain."

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¹The list of raw materials does not correspond to the quantity shares and does not claim to be exhaustive.

² In addition to raw materials from mines, other components such as plastics can also be processed.

Source: Supply chain analysis carried out jointly with our cell suppliers.

Bird's eye view of a square with several stacked containers and a truck driving with one of these containers.

Transparency in purchasing

The CO₂ footprint is an important decision-making criterion in our direct purchasing process. To assess our suppliers’ climate protection measures, we ask them to publish their environmental data via CDP¹. Suppliers that have a lower ranking on the CDP and do not commit to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement through an SBTi voluntary commitment² are rated lower in the purchasing process. We also require a calculation of the CO₂ footprint for every part supplied. We support this process by providing training for our employees and suppliers.

More information

¹ By participating in the global system for the disclosure of environmental data provided by the non-profit organisation CDP (previously: Carbon Disclosure Project), we can record and assess the efforts of our direct suppliers to take climate protection measures.

²The SBTi voluntary commitment allows companies to set science-based targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Through this voluntary commitment, companies demonstrate their willingness to actively contribute to climate protection and align their business practices with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Shot of a warehouse with high shelves and packages, in the distance you can see two people long walking a path between two shelves.

We conduct on-site inspections of our suppliers

When we visit our direct suppliers, we take a close look on-site. We evaluate our partners at regular intervals on the basis of sustainability criteria ranging from environmental protection measures and occupational safety to compliance with human rights. We refer to these evaluations as quick scans. Further information is contained in the Bosch Sustainability Report.¹

More information

¹Page 71 ff.

Graphic explaining the battery recycling: Depiction of a woman holding a battery in her hand. Next to it, there are 4 dots in order: a shop icon with the text "Drop off at the specialist dealer/retailer", a truck with the text "Pick-up and transport via local take-back system", a factory with the lettering "Separation and processing of materials" and a triangle consisting of arrows with the lettering "reusing of products".

How your eBike battery is recycled

When you return your old eBike battery to the dealer, valuable raw materials can be reused. This reduces the environmental impact and the need for new raw materials through recycling.¹

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Source:

¹ Simplified representation based on Gemeinsames Rücknahmesystem Servicegesellschaft GmbH (2023): “Increasing sustainability by taking back used batteries from eBikes and other small electric vehicles”, presented at Eurobike 2023.

Example: GRS industry solution

With the processes used by the German industry-wide GRS solution, almost 79% of the raw materials from a used eBike battery can be recovered and used for new products.¹

This chart shows the percentage of commodities in an eBike battery. Almost 79% of the raw materials from a used eBike battery can be recovered and reused for new products.

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Source:

¹ Own illustration based on Gemeinsamen Rücknahmesystems Batterien (GRS), Deutschland: "Success Monitoring 2024 GRS eMobility".

Close-up of Performance Line CX on an eBike.

Two batteries lie next to each other on a gray floor.

Recycled material for the Performance Line CX and PowerTubes

We use partially recycled material to produce the Performance Line CX (BDU384Y) as well as the PowerTube 600 and the PowerTube 800: for the first time in the largest plastic part of the drive unit as well as in the battery mount and the battery housing.¹

In addition, we have reduced the amount of material used for the batteries² and decided to do without the black colour coating in future.

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¹Primary plastics and metals were used for previous drive units and batteries. Recycled material is now specifically used in the grease guide plate of the drive unit, in the protective cap of the battery mount system and in the battery housing. By providing the grease reserve, the grease guide plate makes a significant contribution to the efficiency level and service life of the drive unit and was produced for the first time with a plastic that consists of approximately 50 % recycled material. We use recycled polypropylene for the protective cap of the battery mount system, while we use aluminium, consisting of approximately 38% recycled material, for the battery housing.

²The reduction is achieved by reducing the wall thickness of the housing. This produces the following result: when comparing PowerTube 600 with PowerTube 625, the housing wall is 26% lighter, and 37% lighter when comparing PowerTube 800 with PowerTube 750.

Close-up of a drive unit without housing.

We avoid plastic packaging

Since September 2020, we have been delivering our drive units in more sustainable and easily recyclable fibre-based packaging instead of polystyrene. This ensures optimised packing density during transport and storage as well as CO₂ savings of approx. [amount]. 45 %. We have also succeeded in dispensing with the plastic outer packaging for our PowerTube batteries. We thereby save approx. 20% of CO₂ emissions for this packaging.

We support recycling solutions in 24 countries

In all sales countries where it is legally possible, Bosch eBike Systems voluntarily assumes responsibility for recycling obligations through local service partners. In countries where recycling solutions are not yet available or existing recycling solutions are inadequate, we work closely with partners, promote pilot projects and support the development of industry solutions. We already support battery collection systems in 24 countries.

Infographic showing Bosch eBike Systems' global recycling partners. Three maps for Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region highlight the countries and partner organizations involved in battery recycling.

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We co-operate with partners for battery collection systems worldwide via our regional companies, our service partners or directly as Bosch eBike Systems.¹

Source:

¹No claim to completeness (status: June 2026)

² Bosch’s own solution exclusively for spare parts and service-case batteries

A woman in a bicycle repair shop, holding an eBike drive unit in her hand while talking on the phone.

Have it professionally repaired

If your drive unit is defective, a specialized repair store can help your dealer with the repair. In order to extend the product life of our components, we support professional repair companies in repairing components even after the warranty has expired.

We give them access to product information, the Diagnostic Tool 3 and new or reconditioned spare parts. An important step is the calibration function in Diagnostic Tool 3. It enables the sensor system of a drive unit to be readjusted after a repair. This allows the motor to continue to run efficiently and reliably. This supports the reparability of our products and help to reduce the use of materials.

Replace your checked battery

As part of our contribution to the circular economy, we put new, unused batteries to a meaningful use. If batteries have a reduced capacity due to a longer storage period, we offer them to bicycle dealers or business partners as tested spare parts.

Each of these batteries is carefully tested by us and has to meet the same high safety standards as a new product. By giving these fully functional components a life in an eBike, we are helping to reduce waste and use resources more efficiently.

We rely on remanufacturing

We have been remanufacturing used Bosch drive units since 2014: We check them, replace wearing parts, and rectify any defects. Our final inspection is carried out with the same degree of care as with new products. The quality must meet the same high standards.

This saves resources as well as money: If your Bosch drive unit is defective and the warranty has expired, you can ask your dealer to install a reconditioned drive unit instead of a new one.

Certified by Bosch

Would you like a used eBike but are unsure whether it is in good condition? Certified by Bosch helps you to decide on a used eBike with a good feeling. The Bosch certificate digitally assesses the condition of the smart system in the eBike at the time the certificate is created.¹ This allows you to detect possible system faults that are not visible from the outside in good time before purchasing and makes it easier to compare used eBikes.

More information

¹You can find out whether your eBike is equipped with the smart system here in our Help Center . The certificate digitally shows the technical status of the smart system at the time of creation, not at the time of purchase.

A woman wearing a Bosch shirt holds a PowerTube in her hand. At the same time, she is on the phone. In the background, you can see a workshop environment.

You, us and the eBike battery

We are looking for solutions to make the eBike battery more sustainable. You can help by returning your worn-out battery to your dealer so that it can be recycled. But until then, let us jointly make sure that it lasts as long as possible. We have a few tips for you in our eBike battery guide.

Find out more

Sustainability is a central component of our corporate strategy. In many areas of Bosch eBike Systems, our sustainability coordinators ensure that we make progress – from the business units up to and including our Purchasing, Logistics, and Service. Since 2022, we have doubled the number of our employees who advocate for sustainability at our company.