Shimano has a new top eMTB motor, and for once the big story isn't only power. The EP810 makes 100 Nm and up to 750 W, weighs 2.3 kg and comes with a whole new system around it: new displays, a wireless remote, a 720 Wh battery, a new app and a new wireless protocol. The part Shimano clearly cares most about is what it calls True Auto, where the bike handles both gears and assist for you.
Lighter and stronger than before
At 2.3 kg the DU-EP810 is, in Shimano's words, significantly lighter than previous generations. For reference, the EP801 that most Shimano-powered eMTBs use today has 85 Nm, so the jump to 100 Nm puts Shimano level with the Bosch CX for torque. The motor supports cadences up to 160 rpm, has a magnesium cover with cooling fins and a more compact shape that Shimano says improves frame integration and ground clearance. It also claims the internals were redesigned to make less noise.
True Auto: gears and assist that sort themselves out
AUTO SHIFT is now in its third generation. It works with Di2 drivetrains (XTR, Deore XT, Deore, GRX and CUES) and uses an updated algorithm with motion sensing to pick gears. You can move the shift point up or down by three steps right on the bike, no app needed.
The new bit is AUTO ASSIST, built into TRAIL+ mode. It reads gradient, cadence, torque and speed and changes the support as you ride: more on climbs, to help traction and keep the front wheel down, less on descents, and as little as possible on the flat to save battery. Put the two together and you get True Auto.
We like the idea. Plenty of riders never touch the mode buttons on a trail anyway, and a system that does this well would make the bike calmer to ride. Whether Shimano's tuning feels natural on technical climbs is something only riding it will tell.
Small features for steep climbs
A few of the new functions are aimed at the moment every eMTB rider knows: stalling halfway up a steep pitch. Hill Hold lets the motor hold the bike in place when Walk Assist is on uphill, so you don't have to clamp a brake while you get ready. Lift & Shift lets you lift the rear wheel and double-press the assist-down button, and the system shifts to an easier gear for the restart. Assist Remain smooths support when your pedalling gets uneven, and Assist Carry Over keeps the motor going for a moment after you stop pedalling, with an adjustable duration.
A new app and a new wireless protocol
The SHIMANO CONNECT app replaces the old one. You use it to set up the system, update components and record rides, and it adds a system lock. Firmware updates can download while you ride and install later, which beats standing next to the bike waiting for a progress bar.
Everything talks over D-FLY+, a new wireless protocol that Shimano says is faster and better protected. Be aware that it isn't compatible with the old D-FLY: it only works with EP810 and later platforms, so EP810 parts won't mix with earlier Shimano e-bike components.
Shimano EP810 at a glance
- Motor
- DU-EP810, 100 Nm, up to 750 W
- Motor weight
- 2.3 kg
- Cadence support
- up to 160 rpm
- Battery
- BT-EN827, 720 Wh, approx. 4.1 kg, 43.2 V
- Chargers
- EC-EN832 (2 A) or EC-EN834 (4 A)
- Displays
- SC-EN700 (top tube), SC-EM810 (handlebar, colour)
- Remote
- SW-UT600-LR wireless; SW-EN601-L assist switch
- Auto functions
- AUTO SHIFT Gen 3 (Di2), AUTO ASSIST in TRAIL+
- Wireless
- D-FLY+ (not compatible with D-FLY)
- Price and availability
- not announced, varies by market and bike
The rest of the EP810 system
EP810 isn't just a motor. Shimano launched a full set of parts around it, and here's what each one does.
SC-EM810 handlebar display
A full-colour screen that sits on the bar in your line of sight. It shows AUTO SHIFT status, assist mode, gear, speed, time, range and distance at a glance.
SC-EN700 top-tube display
For riders who like a clean cockpit, the SC-EN700 sits in the top tube instead. It's smaller and shows the essential ride data without anything on the bar.
SW-UT600-LR wireless remote
A compact three-button remote that works on the left or right side of the bar. It's fully wireless, so there are no cables to route, and it gives you the assist modes and system functions. There's also a wired SW-EN601-L assist switch.
BT-EN827 battery and chargers
The downtube battery holds 720 Wh, weighs about 4.1 kg and measures 420 x 84 x 73 mm at 43.2 V. You can charge it with the standard 2 A EC-EN832 charger or the faster 4 A EC-EN834. It mounts with the new BM-EN820 battery mount, and there's an SM-BTE82 battery adapter.
EW-USB30-C module
A small add-on that gives the bike a USB-C port, so you can charge your phone from the main battery on the ride. Output is 5 V at 1.5 A.
Cranks, chainring and Di2 derailleurs
The system also includes three crank arm sets (SHIMANO FC-UT610-E and FC-MT820-E, plus a DEORE XT FC-M8200-E), a 12-speed CR-EM810 chainring, a motor cover and guard, and four Di2 rear derailleurs for AUTO SHIFT: XTR RD-M9290-12, DEORE XT RD-M8290-12, GRX RD-RX829-SGS (all 12-speed HYPERGLIDE+) and CUES RD-U8090-SGS (10 and 11-speed LINKGLIDE).
What we don't know yet
Shimano hasn't given prices or dates. It says pricing and availability will depend on the market and on each bike brand's specs, so expect to see EP810 first in new bikes rather than as an upgrade. This looks like Shimano's most serious answer yet to Bosch and DJI Avinox. 720 Wh is a little smaller than the 800 Wh packs common on rival bikes, but the low motor weight and the automatic gear and assist control could make up for it.
32 years of riding experience, from a school bike to today's high-tech e-MTBs. My goal is to build the most complete and accessible e-MTB catalog to make choosing easier, and to bring our readers the latest news.
