Continental has launched a new 48-volt drive system for electric bikes, having initially developed the technology for car-maker Renault.

Set for a first outing at Eurobike (booth A6 304) tech specs are at present thin on the ground, however the firm did suggest that the system will pair with an automatic and continuously variable transmission.

“Bicycles with electrical assistance are now a common sight on streets across the world. They are an important element of connected mobility and an environmentally friendly lifestyle. The global market is growing, dynamic and full of potential, so we are turning our attention to this pioneering field and its connectivity with other transport systems as part of our holistic approach to mobility,” explains Continental CEO Dr. Elmar Degenhart.

Jörn Malcherek, director of marketing for Continental’s e-bike systems adds: “We combine the many years of technical expertise of our transmission and drive specialists with our specialist knowledge of bicycles. The result is a world first. Our new e-bike system combines the first industrially manufactured 48-V drive with intelligent, fully automatic and continuously variable transmission. With this innovative step, we can respond optimally to the needs of our customers.”

Continental has now published a white paper discussing the benefits of 48-volt technology.

A new report by CONEBI emphasises the demand for electric bikes in Europe, showing that some 1,667,000 were sold in 2016, up 22.15% on 2015’s data. For more insight on that head here.