Range is key. This is the motto of two motors that Shimano presented just a few days before the start of this year’s Eurobike. However, there are a few other smaller innovations hidden in their shadow.
The ability to ride further without having to recharge the battery is an argument that is likely to work well in any sales talk. In this respect, specialist retailers may be particularly pleased with the new EP5 and E5100. If both units live up to Shimano’s promises, you will of course be the real beneficiaries.
1. Shimano EP5: The new mid-range
2. Shimano E5100: The new entry-level segment
3. New shift levers for Shimano EP8 and Shimano EP6
1. Shimano EP5: the new mid-range
The EP5, also known internally by the manufacturer as the DU-EP500, is positioned below the EP8 and EP6 in the range. Its maximum torque of 60 Newton metres is significantly lower than the 85 Newton metres of the motors already on the market. It has the same basic features as the motors designed for a mid-motor aimed at the European market. In continuous operation, it delivers the usual 250 watts and supports you up to the permitted 25 kilometres per hour. In markets such as the USA, it is delivered with a different setup. In this case, the support stops later. Since the motor is compatible with Shimano’s second-generation battery management system, it uses the corresponding operating voltage of 36 volts.
The difference between the virtual and real world
In its presentation, Shimano emphasises how quiet the EP5 is when riding. Together with the moderate torque, this should ensure a very pleasant riding experience, especially on longer tours. From the manufacturer’s point of view, the motor is ideal for integration into ebikes that are specifically designed for greater distances. After all, the EP5 has proven to be extremely energy-efficient in laboratory tests. In combination with a 630-watt-hour battery, it achieved ranges of over 270 kilometres. Unfortunately, you won’t achieve these values in the real world. In Eco mode, a range of around 90 kilometres and a little more seems to be the more realistic prognosis. When making its calculations, Shimano standardly assumes a cadence of 60 revolutions per minute.
Automatic included
Based on the technical data, you can see that the EP5 cannot keep up with the EP8 and EP6 in terms of performance. Nevertheless, Shimano has approved it for its automatic shifting technology Auto Shift. As a reminder: with this system, several sensors continuously measure the cadence, torque and speed. As a result, Auto Shift automatically shifts to the gear ratio that best matches the measured values and ensures efficient propulsion. The EP5 supports automatic shifting – and that for compatible electronic derailleur and hub gears.
The three support levels typical of Shimano – Eco, Trail and Boost – can be changed to suit your taste. Shimano provides two options for this in its E-Tube Project Cyclist app. In Basic mode, you can set how dynamically the motor should develop, whether you want to reduce the torque and how quickly the motor reaches the respective maximum values from a standing start. Fine Tune mode goes one step further. Or rather 15 steps. That’s how many customisable support modes you can set up in this mode. That should be enough for even the most playful among you. 😉
Where does the EP5’s path lead?
If you think you can cobble together an absolute all-rounder in this way, we have to put the brakes on here. Despite such extensive fine-tuning, the EP5 does not reach the level of a Bosch Performance Line SX, a TQ HPR50 or a Fazua Ride 60. Firstly, it weighs about a kilogram too much at three kilograms and, secondly, it also lags behind the aforementioned competitors in terms of looks.
However, Shimano may also be pursuing completely different goals with the newcomer. After all, the EP5 should be cheaper than the aforementioned motors from Bosch, TQ and Fazua. This would make it attractive for ebike manufacturers who are thinking of models that will later cost between 2,000 and 3,000 euros.
Shimano EP5 motor at a glance
- Maximum torque: 60 Nm
- Continuous power: 250 W
- Weight: 3 kg
- Support levels: Eco, Trail, Boost
- Compatible brake systems: disc brake, coaster brake, V-brake, roller brake
2. Shimano E5100: The new entry-level segment
While this assumption still has to be qualified with a question mark in the case of the EP5, the second newcomer points very strongly in the direction described. In the corresponding press release, Shimano describes the new E5100 itself as an “affordable” motor. Such comments are not usually made lightly.
The E5100 is effectively the successor to the E5000, which was previously considered the most affordable model from the industry giant. The new 5100 weighs in at an identical 2.4 kilograms. It adds ten Newton metres to the torque, giving it a total of 50 Newton metres. This means it is on a par with the HPR50 from TQ. If only in this single category. In terms of dimensions, integration options and appearance, Shimano’s newcomer does not come close to it. But as mentioned, that is not the benchmark.
Relaxed and comfortable
More likely to be the ebike riders who want a quiet, smooth and rather sweet-tempered ebike motor. The E5100 should be able to meet these demands. There is also a good chance that it could almost match the EP5 in terms of range. If you also take into account that both Auto Shift and the ability to personalise the riding modes using the E-Tube Project Cyclist app are also among its capabilities, the result is a simpler but comparatively potent ebike drive.
Shimano E5100 motor at a glance
- Maximum torque: 50 Nm
- Continuous power: 250 W
- Maximum power: 500 W
- Weight: 2.4 kg
- Support levels: Eco, Trail, Boost
- Compatible brake systems: disc brake, coaster brake, V-brake, roller brake
3. New shift lever for Shimano EP8 and Shimano EP6
Otherwise, the other Shimano drive systems remain largely unchanged. The only new addition is a further shift lever for the EP8 and EP6 for electronic, wireless shifting with the Di2 systems. The design of the SW-EN605-R differs from that of the previously installed levers. Its buttons do not have the small hinges that Shimano used on the SW-M8150-R. This means that they can no longer be adjusted as individually, but they do form a more harmonious unit with the rest of the shift lever.
The two large buttons are used to change gears. The third, smaller button is used to select the riding modes. The shifter also features a small LED display above the Shimano logo. It indicates whether you are currently using the manual shift mode or the Auto Shift function. It also shows you the current battery charge level. However, this refers to the two CR1632 button cells in the shift lever and not the battery of the ebike drive. Unlike the other shift levers, the SW-EN605-R is not connected to the power supply of the ebike system, but is operated independently. Shimano expects the button cells to last at least 3.5 years. Maybe even four.
Shimano ebike drive spare parts
Shimano ebike drive batteries
Pictures: Shimano Europe B.V.
