Shimano has today released details of its EP5 and EP5100 e-bike motors, which come to market with a balance struck on power and range, all the while packaging smart features like Auto Shift.
Much akin to how Bosch sought to find the sweet spot for the marketplace with its Performance Line SX motor, Shimano has opted to produce something broadly relevant to most of our riding styles, suggesting that with its new drive unit it will unlock a range in the region of 270km per charge for the commuting rider, maximising efficiency in the name of longevity of assistance.
Indeed with a 60Nm torque on the Shimano EP5 and a 3kg system weight, the drive system is not pushing any limits, instead deciding that the average consumer simply seeks convenience. As such both internal hub and derailleur drivetrain compatibility with the Auto Shift functionality will grant consumers a system that does the thinking for them, optimising the gearing and motor output to conserve battery and provide the perfect level of assistance, as judged by on board sensors, for any given moment.
Of course all of this is tuneable via the companion e-Tube Project application, with 15 unique assistance settings offered to prioritise any given setting, from how much emphasis on torque is desired through to fine tuning the overall riding characteristic. As for the modes, the traditional three – eco, trail and boost – remain, while, if permitted or sold as such, the motor can assist to the speed pedelec top out of 28mph.
Shimano E5100 e-bike motor
Next up is Shimano’s E5100 e-bike motor, which is the diet version of the EP5 and more likely to be seen on electric bike’s at the mid-price points in future. Here the motor’s torque drops to 50Nm, which remains a plentiful amount for the commute in the vast majority of cities with high quality roads.
Here there are adjustments made in that the aluminium motor weight actually drops to 2.4kg and it can be supplied at a 20mph cut out, setting it up for the U.S. market’s e-bikes. In this case the Auto Shift functionality is set up to work only with IHG drivetrains.
If you’d like to learn a bit more about electric bike motors and which on the market may suit your needs, read our guide to which e-bike motor is best for me?
