New Shimano EP810 eMTB system improves power and control dynamics
Today Shimano officially released its new EP810 eMTB system. There’s more (yet still sober) power numbers, it’s a lighter drive unit, plus they’ve updated the electronic shifting and assistance technology.
We are told this new Shimano EP810 motor weighs 2.3kg and delivers up to 100Nm of torque and 750Watts of peak power. Whilst those are good numbers, they are certainly not the highest around town these days — but in the real-world I’ve always felt Shimano’s numbers are more conservative on paper than what they actually feel like on the trail. Perhaps this is the case here too.
Also new is a redesigned magnesium alloy cover with cooling fins, a more compact profile and revised internals aimed at reducing noise and improving heat management. The more significant changes however, appear to be in the software.
True Auto
We are told Shimano’s updated ‘Auto Shift’ feature has improved algorithms and motion sensing to make more accurate gear selections that are based on rider input and terrain. What I think is crucial with this kind of a feature is riders can still adjust their preferred cadence, directly from the bike. This means you are still the pilot and not a passenger.
Also new is something called ‘Auto Assist’ which is integrated into the Trail+ mode. Shimano says in this mode, the system automatically adjusts motor support according to gradient and riding conditions. Basically it is increasing assistance on climbs, reducing it on descents and conserving power on flatter sections. Together, Shimano calls the combination of Auto Shift and Auto Assist as ‘True Auto’. The aim is to reduce the amount of manual input required without taking control completely away from the rider.
New features for techy terrain
There’s a few smaller updates that could prove particularly useful on the trail. ‘Assist Remain’ helps maintain smoother power delivery when pedalling becomes inconsistent, while ‘Assist Carry Over’ briefly continues delivering assistance after pedalling stops. The latter is adjustable to suit your riding style and terrain.
‘Hill Hold’ and ‘Lift & Shift’ are designed to make restarting on steep climbs easier. The system can help hold the bike in position, while Lift & Shift allows riders to lift the rear wheel and automatically select a lower gear before setting off again.
A new connected ecosystem
EP810 also introduces Shimano’s new app, bringing system customization, ride tracking, component updates and system lock into one interface. Alongside it comes D-FLY+, Shimano’s new wireless communication protocol, offering faster data transmission and improved wireless security. The wider ecosystem includes a new wireless three-button assist switch, updated display options, USB-C connectivity and the brands 720Wh battery.
The takeaway
On paper, EP810 looks like a substantial evolution of Shimano’s eMTB platform. The headline figures are okay, but the more interesting developments are the improved shifting logic, adaptive assistance and practical trail features such as Carry Over and Lift & Shift.
Shimano is clearly putting more emphasis on making the motor work with the rider rather than simply delivering more power – which is something I applaud them for. Whether Auto Assist and the latest Auto Shift feel genuinely intuitive on the trail remains to be seen, but these features do open the welcome mat to eMTB newbies so cannot be argued against. The combination of 100Nm, a 2.3kg motor and a 720Wh battery makes for an interesting new package. //