Shimano presented the new EP801 to the world at Eurobike 2022. Visually almost indistinguishable from its predecessor, the update should above all bring more connectivity and features such as the automatic shifting functions Free- and Autoshift possible. A lot has been done on the inside: completely overhauled electronics are intended to reposition the drive for the future and allow direct communication with the battery via a Can bus. Old batteries can therefore no longer be used with the new drive.
But many questions remained unanswered for a long time. Has the newcomer become stronger? Does the engine still rattle? More power was rumoured due to the new inner workings, but Shimano itself only provided rather cryptic information on this. Typical Japanese understatement, as we now know. The first test bike with a production model of the Shimano EP801 motor is now available to us and it surprises us in practice with an unexpectedly strong boost. Where it was still difficult to keep up with Bosch bikes at full gallop with the EP8, our test bike from Liteville with the new EP801 e-bike motor now rides along quite easily.
80 watts more than its predecessor: the Shimano EP801 e-bike motor on the test bench
Just a perceived truth? We wanted to find out for sure and put the Shimano EP801 drivetrain to the test on the PT Labs test bench for a direct comparison. against the predecessor EP8 and the Bosch Performance Line CX asked. The result: With up to 544 watts at the rear wheel, the EP801 electric motor clearly outperforms its predecessor in the relevant cadence range of 60 to 110 crank revolutions per minute. That is a noticeable plus of 80 watts compared to its predecessor, the performance is now close to that of Bosch's Performance Line CX.
The advantage of the Shimano motor: Like its predecessor, the new e-motor releases its full power even at low pedalling force. Around 100 watts are enough to get the maximum out of the drive. With Bosch, you have to pedal at least 180 watts. In practice, this means If you're just letting your legs drop, you'll probably be much faster with the Shimano motor. Even in our standardised range test, where we pedalled at 150 watts, the new Shimano EP801 was still ahead of the Bosch (see below).
A real 84 Newton metres on the measuring shaft are also impressive. The ride feel of the EP801 is similar to its predecessor. The power is delivered in a controlled and even manner, the engine hangs well on the foot and - thanks to the increased punch - is now a little easier in key technical sections or when setting off. The background noise is very similar to that of its predecessor and Unfortunately, the new Shimano EP801 also rattles audibly downhill. We are sorry to have to contradict widespread speculation that this phenomenon is a thing of the past with the EP801. Shimano bikes will therefore continue to compete with Bosch eMTBs on the trail.
Range: This is how far you can get with the new Shimano EP801 e-drive
Fortunately, our initial tests did not reveal that the increased performance is also accompanied by a clear loss of efficiency. In our standard range test with a rider weight of 89 kilograms and 150 watts of pedalling power on our asphalt test track with an average gradient of 12 percent, the our test bike, the brand new Liteville 301 CE MK2, with the Shimano EP801 and a 725 watt-hour battery from BMZ 1672 metres in altitude at maximum assistance. A normal value for a Shimano bike with this battery size. Especially as the charging work of only 712 watt hours indicates that the battery does not quite deliver the full 725 watt hours.
Remarkable: In line with our results from the test bench test, the Liteville with EP801 drive marched forwards very swiftly and covered the test track at an average speed of 15.6 km/h. E-bikes with Shimano's old EP8 or Bosch's Performance Line CX are usually just over 14 km/h with the same test parameters. This clearly shows that even in the test procedure with 150 watts of rider power, the EP801 electric motor still delivers measurably and noticeably more power to the shaft than the other two drives.
New displays, more precise battery status: the details of the Shimano EP801
Shimano has also relaunched a number of products for the new generation, but in terms of design, much remains the same. The very sporty, rather minimalist shifters and displays that we know from the EP8 are still there.
The EN600 parts, which were originally intended for the cheaper Shimano EP6, have been added. However, they could also be of interest to users of the EP801. The EN600 offers functions such as a dedicated light switch and an on/off switch, and it also uses coloured LEDs to roughly indicate the battery status and the rpm level, meaning it can also be used individually without a display. This is not possible with the EM800 remote. The EW-SW-310 on/off switch is even tidier: it is located on the top tube and, as coloured LEDs also indicate the battery status and support level, it can be used without a remote and display. The EN600 display offers up to four information fields instead of one. Particularly practical: the battery status display now has 10 bars instead of 5. This makes it easier to manage the battery, especially on long tours.
Full freedom - up to 15 support levels
The E-Tube app remains the same as its predecessor, except that the new functions such as Free- and Auto-Shift can also be set here. However, Shimano already introduced a major update here last year. Instead of three 3 rpm levels in two profiles, up to 15 rpm levels can now be activated and individually fine-tuned in the second profile. This allows the support to be fine-tuned. The logic of the app itself and the fine-tuning of the support have also been improved since the update.
Conclusion Adrian Kaether, Editor EMTB
With the EP801, Shimano is taking the lightest mid-motor in its class to a new level. As the EP801, the Shimano is now also competitive in terms of performance. Especially those who don't pedal so hard and appreciate a lot of power at the bottom will find the right partner here. Can-bus communication and features such as free and auto-shift are added extras. Unfortunately, nothing has changed in terms of the background noise and, in particular, the rattling downhill.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
