Shimano news 2023: EP801 motor update, new EP6 eMTB motor and new XT Di2 electronic e-bike shifting with automatic function
The new Shimano EP801 motor, the new top dog among Shimano eMTB motors
The new Shimano EP801 is basically an adapted Shimano EP8 motor. With the latest version EP801 the motor is made fit for the new electronic shifting technology from the same company, more about that later. In addition, Shimano has turned the dial on the power delivery: The maximum torque of 85 Nm is now to be applied over a wider cadence range. Individualists will be delighted over the FINE TUNE function in the E-TUBE app. Instead of the familiar three support levels ECO, TRAIL and BOOST, up to 15 individually adjustable support levels can be saved.
The new Shimano EP6 motor – premium performance at a mid-range price?
The new Shimano EP6 motor is a cheaper alternative to the Shimano EP801 motor. The key performance data are almost congruent with the top model Shimano EP801: 85 Nm torque at a continuous power of 250 watts. Only the total weight of 3,0 kg is about 300 g heavier than the 2,7 kg EP8 system. The EP6 also comes with the new FINE TUNE MODE with 15 customizable support levels and is compatible with the new electronic e-bike gears XT Di2 and CUES Di2.
The new Shimano DEORE XT Di2 shifting 2023 – the automatic transmission for E-MTBs
With the latest generation of DEORE XT Di2 Shimano brings two new features to the market. With the FREE SHIFT technology, the changing of gears without pedaling is made possible. If the gear shift is actuated, the motor drives the chainring without the intervention of the rider until the shift is completed. This is said to allow for smooth gear changes even when freewheeling or negotiating rapidly changing sections of trail, providing a smoother riding experience. With the new AUTO SHIFT function, Shimano goes one step further: the new EP drives analyze speed and cadence and automatically select a suitable gear. If the circuit has misjudged the situation, the gears can be shifted manually as before. The circuit draws power from the main battery. The new XT Di2 is offered both as a Hyperglide variant with a 12-speed cassette and shifting and as a Linkglide variant with a more robust 11-speed cassette. In addition, Shimano launches the CUES Di2 groupset as an electronic e-bike shifting with 10 and 11 gears specifically for the city and commuting bike sector. The CUES Di2 also features the new FREE SHIFT and AUTO SHIFT technologies, just like the sporty DEORE XT Di2 shifting. The previous Shimano EP8 motor or other Shimano motor are not backward compatible with the new electric groupsets.
The prices and availability of the new e-bike technologies from Shimano
The new e-bike motors and shift groups will only be available in complete bikes at market launch. The first e-bikes with new Shimano motors should be on sale in spring 2023. Prices for the individual components are therefore not yet available to us.
Our conclusion on the e-bike novelties from Shimano
The new Shimano EP801 and EP6 motors are characterized above all by the compatibility with the new electronic shifting. Especially the new Shimano DEORE XT Di2 groupset appears very promising through the FREE SHIFT and AUTO SHIFT technologies, not only for beginners, but also for everyone else. At best, it can increase the range and prepare for certain driving situations earlier. Whether it can also keep its promise of a particularly smooth driving experience, we will tell you after we have tested it extensively.
Words: Rudolf Fischer Photos: Shimano
About the Author
Rudolf Fischer
In his previous life Rudolf was a dab hand at promoting innovation, putting his brain behind big-ticket patent assessments that easily ran into six-or-seven-plus figures. These days, the self-confessed data nerd’s role as editor at DOWNTOWN and E-MOUNTAINBIKE is no less exciting. Given his specialism in connectivity, Rudolf’s often placed on the front line of future mobility conversations, but he’s also big into testing new bikes–both on the daily as a committed commuter and intensively for our group tests. The business economist graduate is as versatile as a Swiss penknife, and that’s no hyperbole. Away from two wheels, his background in parkour means he’s a master of front, side and backflips, plus he speaks German, English, French, Russian and a touch of Esperanto. Japanese remains woefully unmastered, despite his best home-learning attempts. Good to know: Rudolf’s sharp tongue has made him a figure of fear in the office, where he’s got a reputation for flexing a dry wittiness à la Ricky Gervais... interestingly, he's usually the one laughing hardest.
