Shimano launches 100 Nm EP810 e-MTB motor

EP810 delivers 100 Nm of torque and 750 W power

The EP810 motor provides 100 Nm of torque, an increase from the 85 Nm found in the EP801 model. This represents a 17.6 percent increase in torque.

Peak power rises to 750 W from the 600 W output of the previous generation, a 25 percent increase. This 750 W figure is the legal limit for e-bikes in many regions and the maximum allowed for UCI e-bike racing.

True Auto system automates shifting and assistance

Shimano introduced the "True Auto" intelligent assistance system, which coordinates motor support and electronic shifting using real-time data. The system integrates AUTO SHIFT for gear selection and AUTO ASSIST for assistance level adjustments to manage both functions without rider input.

AUTO SHIFT Gen 3 combines electronic Di2 transmissions with an algorithm and motion sensors to interpret terrain and rider behavior. The system intends to reduce the need for manual control and allows the bike to react to slope, cadence, or effort changes.

Riders can adjust cadence preferences within a range of plus or minus 3 directly on the bike without using a mobile app. AUTO ASSIST operates through TRAIL+ mode, which dynamically changes motor response based on slope and pedaling.

This mode provides controlled assistance on climbs, reduced assistance on descents, and minimal assistance on flat terrain to preserve battery capacity. Shimano does not provide quantitative figures for the energy savings that AUTO ASSIST offers compared with earlier generations.

New motor weighs 2.3 kg and supports 160 rpm cadence

Shimano designed the EP810 with a magnesium-alloy casing that includes cooling fins to improve heat dissipation. The unit weighs 2.3 kg, or 5.1 pounds. This represents a 400-gram reduction from the previous EP801 model, which weighed 2.7 kg, or 5.95 pounds.

The weight reduction aids frame integration, improves handling and increases ground clearance on technical terrain. Compared to competitors, the EP810 is 300 grams lighter than the Avinox drive unit and 500 grams lighter than the Bosch CX motor.

Shimano revised the internal structure of the motor to lower mechanical noise for quieter operation. The system supports an expanded cadence range up to 160 rpm. This maximum assistance level prevents the motor from cutting out during high-cadence pedaling, a significant increase from the 120 rpm limit on the previous generation.

The EP810 offers higher output and lower weight, according to todomountainbike.

Connectivity and control via D-FLY+ and Shimano CONNECT

Shimano launched a new connectivity architecture with the EP810 that will continue into future platforms. The system uses D-FLY+, a wireless protocol that offers faster data transmission and stronger communication protection. D-FLY+ works only with the EP810 and later generations and is not compatible with earlier D-FLY systems.

The Shimano CONNECT app consolidates system customization, electronic settings, ride tracking, firmware updates and electronic system locking into one interface. Users can download compatible firmware updates during a ride and install them later without interrupting the activity.

Shimano’s Batam entity, Shima Capital Management LLC, manages these operations from its headquarters in Batam, Riau Islands, Indonesia. The firm is classified in the industrial machinery manufacturing sector. The company has 45,368 followers on LinkedIn. Its website records 4,286,570 monthly visits, a 2.9% change.

Advanced features include Hill Hold and Lift & Shift

The EP810 introduces "Assist Remain" to smooth motor output when pedal force drops. It also features "Assist Carry Over," which maintains assistance for a short duration after the rider stops pedaling. Riders can customize this carry-over duration to match specific terrain, riding styles, or competition requirements.

Shimano included specific functions to help riders who stop mid-climb. Hill Hold prevents the bike from rolling backward while in walk mode, eliminating the need to hold the brake lever while preparing to restart. Lift & Shift automates gear selection to make restarting on steep slopes easier.

This action shifts the transmission to a lower gear without requiring the rider to pedal. Both Hill Hold and Lift & Shift function to reduce the effort required by the rider in challenging terrain.

Battery and charging specifications for the EP810

Shimano pairs the EP810 with the BT-EN827 battery, which provides a capacity of 720 Wh at 43.2 V. The unit weighs approximately 9 lb, or 4.1 kg, and measures 420 by 84 by 73 mm. This weight makes it heavier than 800 Wh battery options from Bosch and Avinox.

Users can choose between two chargers for the battery: the 2 A EC-EN832 or the faster 4 A EC-EN834. Charging the 720 Wh battery fully takes over 4 hours when using the 4 A charger.

Frame integration and component compatibility

The EP810 features an architecture larger than its predecessors and operates on 43 Volts, a design choice that theoretically allows for the use of thinner wires. While the motor uses the same bolt pattern as previous Shimano units, the outer dimensions have changed. Consequently, most manufacturers must update their frame designs to accommodate the new system.

Compatibility extends beyond high-performance mountain bikes to include GRX and CUES groupsets. The system also supports third-party batteries, allowing frame manufacturers flexibility in their power source choices. Connectivity relies on new wireless technology.

Shimano offers two display options: the compact SC-EN700 for top-tube mounting and the SC-EM810 handlebar-mounted color display. The SC-EM810 shows speed, estimated range, distance, time, assistance mode, and automatic-shifting status. This display shows battery life as a percentage and is not touch-sensitive.

The SW-UT600-LR wireless remote features three buttons and mounts on either the left or right side, removing the need for control wiring. The EW-USB30-C module provides a USB-C port that outputs 5 V at 1.5 A to power or charge external devices.

Historical context of Shimano drive unit releases

Shimano has a history of drive unit releases that includes the E8000 in 2016, the EP8 in 2020, and the EP801 in 2022.