Source: Bike Europe

LEVA-EU member MAHLE has announced new plans to invest millions into its e-bike sector after it was reported as being highly successful in its 2024 financial overview.

MAHLE SmartBike Systems will invest millions more to innovate solutions in improving e-bike efficiency and performance, with its CEO Arnd Franz stating that “the e-bike sector was their standout success, supplying more than 60 e-bike brands across all segments.”

Although MAHLE originates in the automotive industry, which is experiencing regulatory obstacles and market uncertainty, the company is looking to work on new non-automotive applications, such as e-bikes, where MAHLE’s subsidiary, SmartBike System, entered the market successfully.

Investment plans to triple R&D capacity

The R&D centre of MAHLE SmartBike Systems is based in Palencia, Spain. Its director of strategy and business development, Marco Antonio de la Serna, said the following in a recent interview: “We invest significantly in e-bike development to maintain a leading position in the market and offer cutting-edge products to our customers.”

MAHLE currently invests between €10-12 million into R&D each year at its headquarters which employs approximately 150 professionals that are mostly mechanical, electrical and computer engineers. To increase MAHLE’s work for the e-bike sector, its R&D centre will receive an additional investment of €4 million to triple the design and marketing of its e-bike drive systems.

Additional MAHLE H1 developments

This announcement is the latest news to come out of MAHLE in its efforts to improve global sustainable mobility, following the launch of its first full power mid-drive and the one year anniversary of its global biomobility center in Brazil.