Indiegogo Campaign Finishes

We had 700 kits ordered with about 500 backers, half in the EU, half in the US.

Tooling Ordered

Two weeks after the end of the campaign, we could release the funds and pay to manufacture the molds necessary to mass produce. The first phase consists of designing the molds and validating with corresponding prototypes.

First Trip to China

Alex went to China for the first time to meet our partner. It was a great trip with a lot of discoveries about the culture and the level of technology and mastery in production.

Production Prototype Validation

We received 3 samples that were CNC machined in the same way that the molds will produce the parts, so we could launch the final manufacturing.

Moving Offices

We could finally get rid of our big offices that cost too much money (since we decided to operate with a very limited team).

Prototype Testing

We ran some first tests to check everything was as expected.

1st Survey

We sent a survey to inquire about the types of bikes and motors that the backers were needing.

Production Tooling Complete

Molds are ready and we can start printing parts!

First Batch of 180 Batteries

100 field test + 50 certifications + 30 samples. This first batch is mainly targeted at our French partner, Pony, on free-floating e-bikes, which will give us extra time to monitor the batteries' behavior in the harshest conditions (rain, snow, shocks, intense daily usage) and ensure everything is working perfectly before we produce the largest batches for end-users!

2nd Trip to China: To Inspect First Batch

All is great except a little surprise on the electronic production line.

Reverse Engineer Bosch Protocol

We are able to start the motor and mimic a Bosch battery (this was so hard to do) but it gives us the proof that we can do all major protocols as Bosch is known to be the hardest.

X-ray Inspection

We brought the electronic board to the lab to inspect the production deeply. All good but some minor details will be tuned for mass production.

Harsh Tests on the Batteries

Our batteries have undergone rigorous testing with impressive results. They withstand vibrations up to 200Hz, feature excellent waterproofing with a protective casing and pressure valve, and include advanced safety features that provide 10+ minutes of flame resistance. The BMS has proven its durability by passing corrosion tests in salty water while maintaining consistent and reliable power consumption performance.

2nd Survey

Aimed to gather addresses from backers to find the best logistic solutions.

Split Logistics for Cells

We realized we cannot ship cells together with the kit, trying to find some partners on each of our markets.

3400 Units Ordered from Pony

This is a major milestone as it is a big deal which is vital to finance the company but also a big challenge as they need the batteries in May.

Assembly Partner in France

In order to assemble the 3400 kits for Pony, we trained Arts Energy based in Angoulême to assemble our kits. Their role is to source the cells, receive the kits from China, make the assembly, run the end of line tests and ship to Pony.

Major Code Rewrite

We decided to rewrite all the battery codebase in Rust. The former C++ version was becoming too complex and unstable. One example: we spent 3 days catching a bug that would make the battery code crash randomly (but like once every 2h of rides): the culprit: some weird wifi broadcasting badly encrypted SSID.

Component Sourcing

Took 3 weeks to validate the sourcing of the 150+ references needed to manufacture each battery. We placed an order for 4400 kits (3400 for Pony, 1000 for backers and next orders).

BMS Test Bench

We designed, produced and tested a flashing bench enabling us to test the BMS (based on Raspberry Pi, each can provision 1 BMS per minute).

Tooling for Support

We had to redesign this part and launch it in production.

100 Batteries Running

The 100 units of test for Pony are in the streets used in the harshest conditions ever (charged every 3 days).

Trip to the US

The goal here is to meet a bike refurbishing company that could be a good investor. We had a very good meeting and will work together.

Trip to Taiwan

We were invited for the Taipei show where we had the best prize for sustainability and innovation (or was it the year before?).

Certification Launched

Just for UN38.3 with SGS (preparing the samples) as we need more finance to launch the others (EN50604 and UL).

Selection of Chargers

Found and tested charger references.

Logistic Issues

With cargo customs for the first 6 palettes of batteries to ship to Pony, took 10 more days.

Manufacturing Defect

After unboxing 1500 BMS, we cannot flash them! Huge stress moment for a couple of days until we discover one resistor has the wrong value (1 mOhm instead of 1 Mohm).

Manual Rework

In order to start the mass production with Arts Energy, we rework the BMS by hand.

48V Version

We ordered the PCB of both contact and BMS for the 13s version and made them by hand to make sure everything was well routed.

E-commerce Website

We started designing and setting the E-commerce website which looks simple but requires lots of work. We had to create 3D rendering of all parts and of the battery in context, set up the countries, fine-tune many parameters…

Shipping in Bundles

The fact that many people want specific orders, we realize how we need to sell: instead of having a box with a static kit we should let customers choose the parts with the variation they need and with some other accessories (example: a kit with red handle, in 36V version, with 2 chargers and 3 supports).

SKU and EAN Numbers

We had to create a logic and compliant nomenclature of parts so that they can be scanned in the logistic warehouses and bundles can be created.

Packaging Definition

Each part must be packaged separately and we need to define the outer carton to explain our logistic partners how we feed them.

Bundle in Shopify

We managed to set up the Shopify website so people can buy both spare parts and bundles in a clear way (you’ll tell us).

Rust Firmware on Alex Bike

Basic batteries functionalities working and over the air updates are also working well thanks to Max.

iPhone/Android App

Mael refactored the app so that it can help customers diagnose their battery and set up their controller.

New Patent

On our fireproof casing technology.

UN38.3 is Done

We finally got all the document for the UN38.3 certification.

3DP / Amazon

After many refusals from 3DP companies that don’t want to work with small companies to pick and pack, we will decide on May 16 whether we work with Amazon or a 3DP company to do the picking and packing, shipping. Considerations are: do we need a warehouse on both continents, how to deal with returns, price.

Mass Production

Arts Energy is assembling 120 batteries per day with two people working 7 hours. So it's about 5 minutes per battery including supplies, end of line tests etc and without any automation. They have produced 3500 units so far.

Finished Reworking and Flashing all the Faulty BMS for Pony

Bug Correction

Correcting some bugs that are edge cases but that start to be present with the growing number of batteries in service.

Cell Distribution in Europe

We managed to deal with one cell distributor for EU that will be shipping the cells to our customers. Two references already tested on the Infinite are proposed.

Backers Kits Production Status

36V kits are done and packaged ready to ship. 48V kits should be shipped to our warehouse by the end of the month.

Importing Backer Order in Shopify

This way we can have a clear tracking and we can charge the right amount of delivery and tax costs.

Reopen US Market

Since tariffs went down to 30% for 90 days.

Bare Minimum Rust Version of the Software Ready

Including UVLO (security that cuts all BMS consumption when reaching a certain voltage), BLE communication implementation.

Finalize the App Development

Including the choice of the cell and protocol.

Investment

Closing a round with our US investors, legal stuff to deal with but very good news.

Deal with One Cell Distributor for US

Shipping to all our backers and customers

Finally ! After 10 days in struggle with customs in France, one week lost because the bar codes where not encoded using the correct encoding, we are finally there.

People start unboxing and assembling

We were surprised on how many people just had no issue and assembled their battery without even telling us (which is normal).

Worked on documentation while answering all the questions by email

We also want to create a formu so all the community can benefit from questions answered by email.

Implementing Bosch Protocol in the New Rust Code Base

First success

Bosch adaptators design

Designing the adaptator so the retrofit for Bosch deosn't require to cut cables.

Launching Ads on Mailing for B2B Customers

In order to create volume and see what brands could integrate the first repairable battery.

Data Storage in Rust

Implemented and tested.

Specify a bigger battery for a 800Wh or more in capacity and up to 52V

Specifying Our New Battery Model for Another Vertical

That we will disclose in October.

Certifications

After 2 months of discussions, we should launch UL2170 and EN50604 certification with UL labs.

User Alerts by Mail

We have this feature for our B2B customer but we want to push it for B2C.

Advertise on Social Media

Once we’ve sent the kits to all our backers, we should start serving new customers.

Back and Forth with Supplier

To make a first prototype of the new battery.

Rest a Bit

Implementing Data Storage on the Rust Version

So that the battery has a history.

Implementing Next Protocols

Rad, Bafang, Specialized, Brose.

Reverse Engineering Shimano

Which is the second most demanded brand that has an encrypted communication.

Designing the Bosch Adapter and Sending in Production

Designing the Shimano STePS Adapter and Sending in Production

Designing a Bigger Version of the Battery

Make a poll to see whether it would fit the needs of the community.

Designing a USB-C Addon

A module that would enable to use your battery as a powerbank and also charge through USB-C.

Implementing Geolocalisation on Batteries

To fight battery theft.

New Model Announcements and Demo