Shimano introduces new e-bike motors EP6 and EP801, new Di2 groupsets feature automatic shifting

Founded over 100 years ago, the Japanese company Shimano is arguably the most famous brand name in the entire bicycle market, which currently is in the midst of a shift towards quick and economic electric bikes. In order to maintain its reputation, the company has now unveiled several new drivetrain components for electric bikes that are supposed to convince e-bike riders with several exciting technical improvements.

First and foremost, Shimano has announced two new e-bike motors called the EP6 and the successor to the successful EP8, the EP801. The Shimano EP6 weighs 3 kilograms, has a maximum torque output of 85 Nm and provides 250 watts of continuous power. This means that the e-bike motor basically offers the same power as the EP8 at a lower price. On the other hand, the Shimano EP801 motor for electric mountain bikes only receives a few minor changes, but it remains 300 grams lighter than the new EP6 and is also compatible with the new Di2 groupsets, which will be discussed in more detail in the following two paragraphs.

The new Shimano Di2 groupsets for e-bikes offer between 10 and 12 gears, and thanks to the new "Free Shift" function, gear changes are now possible even when riders are not pedaling. The new "Auto Shift" mode even goes a step further and shifts automatically, but it also allows riders to initiate a manual gear change via a manual override. Shimano’s new Di2 groupsets are compatible with the aforementioned EP6 and EP801 e-bike motors, and they can be tuned and adjusted by connecting them to Shimano's eTube app for iOS and Android smartphones.

As usual, Shimano's new e-bike components bear different names depending on the segment. The groupset designed for electric commuter bikes for example feature 10 to 11 gears and goes by the name CUES Di2, while the XT M8150 Di2 groupsets with 11 to 12 gears are made for electric mountain bikes. Shimano has yet to release further information regarding the price and launch of these new e-bike components.

Buy the Velowave electric mountain bike for adults on Amazon